2008 Woodie Awards
Survey: sex crimes often unreported
Christine Martinez
Issue date: 9/17/07 Section: News
Also, starting Sunday night, Sept. 16, Honolulu police officers will provide added security around the 300-acre UH Mānoa campus from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Extra HPD security was requested because students who dorm are more susceptible to these crimes on campus. "I feel safer that I don't dorm," said Kim Chai, a senior at UH Mānoa studying family resources. "It's scary enough to walk to my car from my night classes, but to imagine someone following me to where I sleep is even scarier. The survey should ask more questions about dorm incidents."
Every year, UH campuses generate crime statistics, but these statistics are based only on crimes that students have reported. Generally, most sexual and relationship crimes go unreported.
The university conducts anonymous surveys every three years, a practice that started in 2003. Last summer's survey was the second. Some say the outcome is more accurate than the crime statistics because students are more willing to admit the crimes with no fear of consequences.
The fact that students hesitate to report sexual crimes has raised awareness throughout the university. "Each campus has at least counselors. UH Hilo and UH Mānoa have women centers where students can turn to for help," said Pagotto. "Students should not be afraid to speak up. I think the survey results really show us that we have a lot of work to do to raise awareness. We need to do a better job; we are an educational institution and we need to help students understand the situation."
Extra HPD security was requested because students who dorm are more susceptible to these crimes on campus. "I feel safer that I don't dorm," said Kim Chai, a senior at UH Mānoa studying family resources. "It's scary enough to walk to my car from my night classes, but to imagine someone following me to where I sleep is even scarier. The survey should ask more questions about dorm incidents."
Every year, UH campuses generate crime statistics, but these statistics are based only on crimes that students have reported. Generally, most sexual and relationship crimes go unreported.
The university conducts anonymous surveys every three years, a practice that started in 2003. Last summer's survey was the second. Some say the outcome is more accurate than the crime statistics because students are more willing to admit the crimes with no fear of consequences.
The fact that students hesitate to report sexual crimes has raised awareness throughout the university. "Each campus has at least counselors. UH Hilo and UH Mānoa have women centers where students can turn to for help," said Pagotto. "Students should not be afraid to speak up. I think the survey results really show us that we have a lot of work to do to raise awareness. We need to do a better job; we are an educational institution and we need to help students understand the situation."
***NOTE: Log in before posting a comment. Anonymous comments will not be posted.***
Be the first to comment on this story