While there were only six criminal sexual assaults reported in Campustown last semester, according to crime statistics from the University, Champaign and Urbana police departments, the number of rapes that actually occurred could be closer to 60. Some fear ruining his life. And I guarantee you, when that happens, usually people will not be on the side of the victim. Another obstacle is the nature of the rape itself. Because a sexual assault is such a private violation of a person, a rape victim might not want to tell others and would rather forget it.
Many victims are embarrassed.
Many, like Kathleen, blame themselves. There is also a high level of stress involved in speaking with the authorities, especially for students, Morey said. Most students have not had contact with the criminal justice system or have had bad experiences with it. Women are even less likely to report an attempted assault, Morey said, depending on how violent the attack was. Because so few rapes are reported, even fewer suspects are tried and convicted in a criminal court.