Advocates sought for campus sexual assault victims

Rep. Susan Davis and Sen. Barbara Boxer want colleges and universities to provide independent, on-site advocates for victims of sexual assaults that occur on campus.

The Democratic lawmakers’ Survivor Outreach and Support Campus Act would require schools receiving federal funding to designate someone for campus sexual assault prevention and response. The advocate would be responsible for ensuring victims a host of services, regardless of whether they decide to report the crime.

Those services include emergency and follow-up medical care, guidance on reporting assaults to law enforcement; dealing with medical, forensic or evidentiary exams; ongoing counseling and information on legal rights.

“Victims of a sexual assault need to know someone is there for them, especially the learning institute they have entrusted their future to,” said Davis of San Diego, who is a senior member on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. “This advocate will provide victims with the critical support they will need when dealing with such a traumatic event.”

The advocate would also be charged with carrying out a public information campaign.

Boxer said student victims of sexual assault deserve having an advocate on campus.

“Our bill, which has been endorsed by the University of California, will help encourage more victims to come forward and report these heinous crimes,” the California senator said in a prepared statement.

The lawmakers say the bill has the backing of the University of California, the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, the National Women’s Law Center, the American Association of University Women and several other groups.

It stems from discussions with California university officials and advocacy groups on efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assault on campus.

Boxer also recently urged U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan to quickly finalize and release regulations to provide clear guidance to universities on how to address sexual assault.