Protecting college students from sexual assault on campus
02/17/2017 5:01 pm PST
Incidents of sexual assault on college campuses are at an all-time high. And considering that only 20-percent of victims ever report their attacks, that number could be much larger.
So are schools doing enough to protect their students? Elizabeth Smart investigates.
He doesn't look like your typical monster, but several women who know Jason Relopez would disagree. They say this college fraternity boy sexually assaulted them. One victim even claims the school knew he was dangerous but did nothing about it.
Victoria Hewlett isn't done seeking justice. She's slapping Utah State University and the Sigma Chi Fraternity with a lawsuit claiming they knew all about Relopez's history, but did nothing to stop him.
Court documents say that before Hewlett was attacked, five other women had reported to the university that they had been sexually assaulted by Relopez.
Utah State University issued a statement to Crime Watch Daily:
"USU is deeply disturbed by any incident of sexual assault. We recognize the impact sexual assault has on the lives of victims, including Ms. Hewlett. USU continues to work with our students and campus community to better prevent and respond to incidents of sexual assault.
"USU was aware of a prior anonymous allegation of sexual assault by Jason Relopez. It is important to note, however, that because the victim had requested confidentiality and had not filed a complaint nor provided the details of the incident, USU could not discipline Mr. Relopez. Instead, USU took as much action as it could within the limits of due process.
"Confidentiality is a very important element of providing services to survivors of sexual assault. Victims are often reluctant to report incidents of sexual violence because they fear others will blame them, or they fear their classmates, families and other people will find out, or that details of their lives will be disclosed and their identity will be made public by the news media or others. When services are not confidential, victims are hesitant to seek the help they need and deserve. USU is committed to providing confidential services to our students so survivors can get information about their options and the services available while they choose the best way to move forward. And, confidential resources are just that — confidential. They do not trigger an investigation. While working with a confidential resource, the victim retains all control over what information is shared and with whom.
"USU denies that five complaints regarding Jason Relopez were made to USU or that USU was or is aware of five additional victims of Jason Relopez.
"USU provides a number of support services to survivors of sexual violence, including free counseling and psychological services, victim advocacy and mentoring, academic support, housing accommodations, protective services and other safety options. These services were and continue to be available to all students, including Ms. Hewlett. The Greek Advisor working with Ms. Hewlett encouraged her to contact our student affairs office or our SAAVI office (a confidential victim services office) who could provide her with additional information about these services."
