An estimated 2 million students will experience sexual violence in 2024.

  • 1 in 10

    students experience campus sexual violence before leaving college

  • 90-95%

    survivors do not report fearing victim blame or retaliation

  • 89%

    colleges and universities reported ZERO incidents of rape in 2016

 

Sexual violence is the most prevalent crime on campus, with populations of students with intersecting, marginalized identities disproportionately impacted. In a 2019 national campus climate survey rates of campus sexual violence have increased.

In the past decades, policy and legislative reforms to combat sexual violence have been approached through strengthening investigatory processes and criminal penalties. Yet, efforts have fallen short of addressing the root causes of campus sexual violence and providing necessary support to survivors.

Student survivors are a critical voice in efforts to address campus sexual violence. Over the last six years, the Every Voice Coalition has empowered and trained students and student survivors to work with researchers, experts, administrators, legislators, rape crisis centers, non-profit leaders, and advocates across the country to write and file state-specific Every Voice legislation.

 

When it comes to campus sexual violence, we are ensuring that student survivor voices are not only at the table but at the forefront of change-making efforts. 

THE CORE FIVE

The Core Five is the Every Voice policy framework that supports survivors of campus sexual violence and prevents future violence by encompassing a set of civil rights that all students should have access to.

1. Free legal, medical, and counseling services

By establishing partnerships between universities and rape crisis centers to provide survivors with access to counseling, medical services, and legal support from trained professionals.

2. Confidential advising services to clarify a survivors’ rights and options

Confidential advising services aid survivors in navigating the complex process of accessing necessary resources and understanding their rights.

3. Anti-retaliation protections for reporting parties

Implementing an amnesty policy for students who report incidents of sexual violence puts student safety first and ensures that survivors are not intimidated or silenced due to fear of retaliation or punishment due to alcohol consumption or drug use.

4. Transparent, public data through anonymous campus climate surveys

Collecting comprehensive data on sexual assault through anonymous climate surveys ensures transparency and allows colleges and universities to identify disproportionately impacted demographics, tailor solutions to the unique circumstances of their campus communities, and test the effectiveness of prevention programs.

5. Annual, evidence-based prevention and awareness programming

Ensuring that students and employees receive evidence-based training on prevention and response empowers all members of the community to take action to stop sexual violence.

 Support the next generation of student leaders advocating to end campus sexual violence.