This morning PrezBo sent out an email about Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  This is especially poignant now in light of recent local incidents and different debates.  Bollinger writes, “Sexual assault is an act of violence that takes many forms and exists across society, and it is a problem demanding special attention in university communities.  In addition to the unacceptably high incidence of sexual assault on college campuses, these assaults too frequently go unreported, and survivors can face special challenges when an offender resides in their dorm or attends the same class.”  He linked to the university’s policy on sexual assault and gender-based misconduct and reminded students of various on-campus resources, which we list below.

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

The annual Take Back the Night rally, march, and speakout will be occurring tonight at 8 pm.  College-aged females are at the greatest risk of rape, with TBTN reporting that 27 out of every 1000 undergrad women report being sexually assaulted, equating to over 150 female students at CU each year, while 40% of rapes go unreported.  Please do not fear speaking to your peers, friends, administrators, and to the resources above.  Despite what it sometimes may seem, people honestly care about each other and will be there for you, judgement free.