Purdue updates sexual assault policy

West Lafayette, Ind. (WLFI) - Since the Center of Hope opened three years ago, it has seen about 120 cases of sexual assault each year. With the warm weather making its way into the area, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Tracey Campbell said that number might not decrease any time soon.

"April is sexual assault awareness month and there's a reason for that," said Campbell. "That's because there's a big increase around spring break time."

Purdue decided to update its anti-harrassment policy this month. Vice President for Ethics and Compliance Alysa Rollock said they updated the policy to help clarify certain issues that might have been unclear before.

"While they were covered previously, it wasn't as explicit," said Rollock. "We really agree with the Department of Education that our policies need to be by the people whom they're designed to protect."

The new policy now clearly states what is considered rape and that an individual is unable to give consent if he or she is incapacitated. The policy states sexual assault can also occur with someone you know, which happens in 80% of cases.

A statistic that Campbell said might be why some are hesitant to come in.

"Usually sexual assault is perpetrated by somebody the victim knows," said Campbell. "So, there's a component of fear and they're afraid to report because they're afraid of what would happen if that person does not get caught and arrested."

Campbell said even if a victim is ashamed or confused, the sooner they come in the better. After a period of 120 hours, Campbell said the evidence and chance to document any injuries sustained drops dramatically.

Campbell said about 45% of the sexual assault cases she's seen in the past year have been college students.

"I know that we see quite a few Purdue students," said Campbell. "I'm so glad that there's education out there and a lot of policies to help prevention."