To the Editor:
We are writing in response to the article entitled "College rape cases decline markedly," in the Oct. 3, 1996 issue of The Dartmouth, which we consider to have been quite misleading. In fact, while the number of REPORTED sexual assaults have declined, this is absolutely no indication that the number of actual incidents of sexual abuse have declined as well. While we would be ecstatic to find that the incidents of sexual assaults on this campus have in fact declined in number, there are many reasons for a decline in reports that can, ironically, even mask an actual increase in the number of such incidents. Indeed, one possibility may be a campus environment which has made it more unlikely or difficult for a person to come forward following a sexual assault.
There is also a group of Sexual Abuse Peer Advisors (SAPA) who are trained to act as peer advisors for students who have experienced sexual abuse. SAPA training takes place in summer and winter terms. SAPAS can be located by reading the SAPA blitz bulletin.
For answers to any questions regarding these or any other programs through the Sexual Abuse and Awareness Program, please contact the SAAP Coordinator, Susan Marine. We urge the campus community to become educated about sexual abuse and involved in the efforts to stop it at Dartmouth. Reports are only one part of the picture: much work remains to be done.
