Earlier this week, Prezbo and DSpar sent emails to all Columbia undergrads about National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Bollinger writes, “The crime of sexual assault takes many forms and threatens everyone in society, yet it is a problem demanding special attention in university communities. In addition to the high incidence of sexual assault on college campuses, students who are assaulted can find themselves interacting with their assailants because the perpetrator resides in the same dormitory or attends the same class. In a campus environment, assaults too frequently go unreported.” He linked to Columbia’s Sexual Assault Policy, and reminded students of on-campus resources, which we have reposted below. The annual Take Back the Night march and speakout will occur on April 14th, 2010.

The University’s Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center: 212- 854-HELP
The Men’s Peer Education Program
Columbia’s Health Services
The University’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program (SVPRP)
Counseling and Psychological Services (Columbia): 212-854-2878
Rosemary Furman Counseling Center (Barnard): 212-854-2092

Nightline Peer Counseling: 212-854-7777
Office of the University Chaplain: 212-854-1493

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE

According to the famous horrifying statistic, one in four women will experience domestic violence, and college-aged females are at the greatest risk.

As we once said in a past post, please don’t underestimate the compassion, even empathy, of your friends. We were stunned by the outpouring of solidarity in this rare comment thread, and hope people will continue to show their support.