<p>I am an international student from Asian. I have read some articles about rapes in VA, especially in UR and UVA. UR even ranks in the most dangerous universities for women. I know UR has a good education and I also intend to apply for UR. I am so confused now. Please help me. Thanks u beforehand</p>
<p>UofR really is not dangerous for women. There may be a couple rapes reported on campus every year (there may be more that aren’t reported), but most of them are not the forcible “masked-man” rapes you might be picturing. Usually the few that occur are more cases of being taken advantage of when a woman had way too much to drink. Usually freshman girls trying to impress upperclassmen boys at parties early in the year. Each year at freshman orientation, men and women separately are given bystander training (how to take care of others if you notice they are in trouble- preventing sexual assault) and taught about sexual assault. The university does an excellent job educating the students and trying to prevent these crimes. UofR also has wonderful security. There are special panic buttons outside some buildings, and I believe all dorms. If you don’t feel comfortable walking back from somewhere, you can call campus non-emergency police and they will send someone to walk you back to your dorm. There are also special “text a tip” lines and similar avenues so you can alert university police if you think someone may be in trouble. I think UofR is pretty safe compared some other universities. </p>
<p>Every college campus has some rapes, there’s no way to prevent it from happening completely. I’m sure you’ve seen the recent articles on the UVA fraternities- that is an alarming case, but not what happens at most schools. </p>
<p>UR has a higher rate of REPORTED rape. They also have one of the few highly regarded anti-rape and rape survivor programs. More girls feel safer reporting rapes at UR… that doesn’t mean there are overall MORE rapes on campus than any other school. Only that more girls are reporting and that is a good thing. My daughter hasn’t felt threatened on campus. She also isn’t involved in the Greek system which sadly, increases a girls risk level on any campus. Well not so much just “being” Greek but attending frat parties elevates your risk.</p>
What has the school done to those found guilty of such crimes?
It depends on if the survivor chooses to press charges (go the criminal route- the school doesn’t try criminal matters), but sanctions from the school include a student conduct hearing. This can result in suspension, expulsion, or restrictions on classes. For example, a student can be given a no-contact order and as part of such be unable to enroll in classes that the survivor is enrolled in.
Criminal charges are a whole other matter and the survivor chooses whether to press charges. Criminal proceedings are separate from school proceedings.
The statistics are surprising and alarming. Is there a strong enough police presence on and around the campus?
@Cedarbridge Again, statistics are flawed. They show reported, but not unreported. This has nothing to do with police presence- we are under jurisdiction of three different police departments (campus police, Richmond police, and Henrico county). We also have student safety escorts and blue “panic” buttons. Campus is very safe- we are not in the city and are quite isolated. These events take place in rooms and apartments between individuals who are known to each other. Most of these incidents involve alcohol.
There is a huge effort on campus to make survivors know they are not alone. Everyone is aware of the options that survivors have. Thus, they are much more likely to come forward here because they feel safe.
It is a concern of ours at whatever college our children choose, and still very alarmed if it is taking place between people who know each other. We know that it happens, but I hope it is happening repeatedly. Thank you for you input. I do appreciate it. We are trying to make sure our college-bound senior is well prepared for the future.
*isn’t