How serious a problem is sexual violence on college campuses today? Do women feel safe, and is there enough support and motivation to report rape? More than 200 students from 70 colleges and universities around the country will come to UC Davis March 31-April 2 to discuss these and other issues during the fourth annual national student conference on "Campus Sexual Violence." Twenty-five percent of female undergraduates will become victims of rape or attempted rape on American college campuses, according to Jennifer Beeman, coordinator of the UC Davis Rape Prevention and Education Program. At UC Davis, she says, "Alcohol is a contributing factor in 30 percent of the acquaintance rapes." Among the issues to be addressed at the conference is a backlash believed to have occurred recently in response to the idea that feminists are convincing students that there is an epidemic of sexual violence on campus. The conference workshops and presentations begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1.
Media Resources
Julia Ann Easley, General news (emphasis: business, K-12 outreach, education, law, government and student affairs), 530-752-8248, jaeasley@ucdavis.edu