When it comes to sexual assault on campus, a local college is ahead of national trends in some areas, but behind in others.
Recently, 700 students at Augustana College in Rock Island completed the Sexual Assault Climate Survey that showed that 1 in 10 female students have been sexually assaulted, compared to the national statistic of 1 out of every 5. But fewer Augustana students than the national average are aware of their college's investigation procedures.
Because of these results, Dean Evelyn Campbell says this year, the college will focus on educating students and faculty on preventing sexual assault.
As part of the training, Augustana College now has a mandatory online program called "Not Anymore" that educates students on sexual assault and bystander intervention.
Some students, such as senior Eleanor Nolan, have also helped create the Clothesline Project for Domestic Violence Awareness Month--a national observance where people write phrases about domestic violence and sexual assault on T-shirts.
The Clothesline Project will be displayed through today, and the college will hold a "Day of Self Care" tomorrow with events focused on sexual assault awareness.