Rockhurst Sentinel

Issue date: 11/10/06 Section: News

When asked if rape occurs on college campuses many students would reply that yes it does, but personally they do not feel at risk. National statistics show that one out of four women will be sexually assaulted on a college campus with one out of eight women being raped while in college. Statistically based on Rockhurst's current enrolment and the male to female ratio 412.5 female Rockhurst students are likely to be sexually assaulted and 206.25 female Rockhurst students are likely to be raped during their time at Rockhurst. If these numbers don't make you stop and think, consider the fact that 84% of women who are raped know their assailant, 57% of rapes occur on a date and 75% of male students and 55% of female students involved in date rape have been drinking or using drugs.

It is possible to throw numbers at you all day and though it may get the point across, it is likely that you will not be any more aware of these issues around you then before you read them. This will not be the case after you hear Andrea Fuller Cooper presentation, Kristin's Story: a story of acquaintance rape, depression, and suicide. Andrea has traveled the country telling the story of her daughter, Kristin's, rape by a friend and eventual suicide, from the mother's perspective. In the past 8 years Andrea has traveled to over 300 campuses and 20 conferences presenting this story, two of which were Sigma Alpha Epsilon's National Leadership Conference the summer of 2001 and 2003.

Andrea explains that her presentation is very different from other date rape presentations, in that she tells the story from a mother's perspective and emphasizes that there is no "male bashing". She even encourages males, as well as females, to attend if possible. Andrea answers the question, why do I need to go to a date rape presentation, I am not a rapist, with "most men are NOT rapists, but the few that are ruin many lives. One goal of my presentation is to help men to understand how their girlfriends and sisters feel if they become a rape victim, and how you can support and help them as a friend, a boyfriend, or a brother. You can make such a difference!" This is a presentation that you do not want to miss. Jason Wood, a student from Kent State University, encouraged his campus to invite Andrea to speak with the following statement, "It was a very shocking and emotional presentation. When she was done, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. It's so touching and courageous. It's impossible to walk away without learning something". Join Rockhust's Counseling Center on Thursday, November 16th at 7pm in the Rock Room to hear Andrea's amazing story.

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