April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, an annual initiative focused on awareness, prevention, and support for survivors. While the University of North Dakota has engaged in prevention strategies and provided support, sexual assault among college students remains a prevalent issue and many students do not make reports or seek help. Becoming more informed about the issue and the resources available through UND is an important step in promoting a safer campus culture.
College campuses present an increased risk of sexual assault. Nearly one in five undergraduate women and one in 16 undergraduate men experience nonconsensual sexual contact—meaning they were forced or unable to consent—according to a 2019 report from the Association of American Universities Campus Climate Survey. Research and advocacy organizations, including the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) acknowledge that “sexual violence can happen anywhere—but college campuses present unique dynamics that can increase risk.” They attribute the heightened risk, in part, to shifting boundaries, unfamiliar environments, and new experiences such as social events.
Despite this elevated risk, many survivors do not get help. RAINN reports that only one in five college-aged female survivors receive services from a support agency, and four out of five students do not report sexual assault incidents. Common reasons include believing it is a personal matter, thinking it is not important enough, fear of retaliation, and believing that authorities will not be able to help. However, as a university receiving federal funding, UND is required to comply with Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination and addresses sexual harassment and assault. According to UND’s website, the university prioritizes the safety and well-being of the person who experienced the misconduct and encourages all members of the community to report violations of sexual misconduct policy.
UND provides several resources for students impacted by sexual assault. On-campus, students can meet with advocates from CVIC, a nonprofit sexual violence intervention service that partners with UND. The University Counseling Center and Student Health Services also provide confidential support and information about resources and reporting options. UND has also designated a Title IX Coordinator and several Deputy Title IX Coordinators who are trained to support individuals who report sexual misconduct. To file reports, University and Grand Forks police are available, and a sexual misconduct form has been created through UND’s website.
Beyond prevention efforts, reporting, and support systems, peer support plays a critical role in shaping campus culture. If a friend discloses an experience of sexual assault, UND’s guidance recommends attending to immediate safety needs first, calling 911 if needed, seeking medical care, and ensuring the affected individual has a safe place to stay. Once safety needs are met, UND encourages listening and providing nonjudgemental support, without criticizing the individual’s feelings or actions. Helpful messages to tell a friend are “It’s not your fault,” “I’m sorry it happened,” and “I’m here to help and support you.”
While UND addresses sexual assault through support services and reporting options, individual knowledge and action also influence safety on campus. As Sexual Assault Awareness Month concludes, understanding both institutional resources and the importance of peer support can foster a safer, more supportive campus environment.
To learn more about UND’s efforts and student resources, visit https://campus.und.edu/civil-rights/title-ix.html.
Grace Larson is a Dakota Student Contributor. She can be reached at [email protected].
