U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) to introduce legislation to support survivors of sexual assault on college campuses.
The Survivor Outreach and Support on Campus Act, or S.O.S. Campus Act, would require every college and university that receives federal funding to have an independent advocate dedicated to campus sexual assault prevention and response, according to a release from Hirono’s office.
“It is completely unacceptable that young people—particularly women—have to choose between getting an education and feeling safe,” Hirono said in the release. “We must do more to end this epidemic of campus sexual assault and support survivors. Right now, too many survivors of sexual assault and harassment are silenced, not provided adequate support or resources, and are unable to seek justice. This legislation will require colleges and universities across the country to better prevent sexual assault and provide survivors with medical treatment, guidance on reporting assaults to law enforcement, counseling, and information on their legal rights.”
A 2020 report published by the Association for American Universities (AAU) stated that 13% of graduate and undergraduate students have experienced rape or sexual assault. Among undergraduate students, AAU found that 26.4% of females and 6.8% percent of males experienced rape or sexual assault.
Previous studies have shown that more than 50% of college sexual assaults occur between August and November.
According to the release, the S.O.S. Campus Act would require the independent advocate to conduct public information campaigns on sexual assault prevention and ensure survivors of sexual assault have access to emergency and follow-up medical care; guidance on reporting assaults to law enforcement; medical forensics or evidentiary exams; crisis intervention, ongoing counseling and assistance throughout the process; and information on their legal rights.
Many schools in Hawaii, but not all, are required to make confidential advocates available to students to discuss incidents of campus sexual harassment, and assault, the release said. The S.O.S. Campus Act would expand this practice to more schools throughout the United States to make sure survivors have access to resources.