U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Tim Kaine and Tammy Baldwin, has introduced new legislation aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault on college campuses. The Survivor Outreach and Support on Campus Act (S.O.S. Campus Act) mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must have an independent advocate for campus sexual assault prevention and response.
Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of this measure: “As we continue working to ensure that our students are safe on campus, the S.O.S. Campus Act would help to ensure that survivors of sexual assault at colleges and universities receive the treatment and support they deserve,” she said. “All students deserve to be safe and supported on campus, and I will keep fighting to combat sexual violence and ensure that survivors can access much-needed medical, legal, and mental health resources.”
Sexual violence on college campuses is significantly underreported due to flaws in current reporting systems. Changes to Title IX under the Trump administration led to a significant drop in reported cases of sexual assault at many universities. The Association of Title IX Administrators estimates that up to 90% of sexual misconduct cases are handled informally without formal protections for survivors.
The S.O.S. Campus Act requires campuses to appoint an independent advocate responsible for public information campaigns on sexual assault prevention. This advocate would also ensure survivors have access to:
- Emergency and follow-up medical care
- Guidance on reporting assaults to law enforcement
- Medical forensic or evidentiary exams
- Crisis intervention, ongoing counseling, and assistance throughout the process
- Information on their legal rights
The legislation highlights the role of local rape crisis centers and community-based organizations by requiring universities to consult or partner with these entities so that survivors can access necessary services.
Earlier this year, Senator Hirono reintroduced another related bill—the Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act (GEEA). Similar in purpose to the S.O.S. Campus Act, GEEA aims to provide additional resources for colleges supporting survivors by creating an Office for Gender Equity within the U.S. Department of Education (ED). This office would offer annual training for Title IX coordinators, detailed compliance information, best practices guidance, and manage a $160 million grant program assisting educational institutions in complying with Title IX.
Full text of both pieces of legislation is available online.
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