Surrounded by sex offenders
Ginny Tyson : Assistant News Editor
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: News
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According to the North Carolina sex offender and public protection registry database, there are 174 sex offenders in New Hanover County. According to the same database, there are 95 registered offenders living within a five-mile radius of UNCW, 30 within three miles and five living within walking distance to the university.
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network states, "Almost two-thirds of all rapes were committed by someone who is known to the victim."
University police are working closely with Wilmington police on a number of sexual assault cases around the area.
UNCW police lt. James Watkins said, "There is a noticeable increase this year with sexual assaults in and around campus, which is concerning."
With one reported incidence of sexual assault on campus and several around Wilmington, the UNCW police want students to protect themselves.
"Pay attention to your intuition. If you feel like something is wrong, it probably is," Watkins said.
Dee Casey, assistant director for violence prevention and UNCW's Collaboration for Assault Response and Education said, "All women have been urged to stay in groups, in well-lit areas, be on alert for danger and carry cell phones."
The university also offers proactive programs on campus. CARE provides programs for men, teaching them how to react when a sexual assault may arise. CARE also offers One-in-Four, a group where men get involved in sexual assault prevention. Offered by the UNCW police, Rape Aggression Defense, RAD, is a self-defense course for females only that teaches women how to react in a dangerous situation, but if attached, students should not be afraid to report the incident.
"Sexual assaults are statically under reported," Watkins said.
According to RAINN, 59 percent of sexual assaults go unreported, and 80 percent of rape victims are under the age of 30.
Casey said, "Especially when the assailant is someone known to the victim, the situation is often minimized and downplayed, and the victim just wants to go on and 'forget about it.'"
In the event of an assault, UNCW's CARE will respond to the person attacked, even coming to the hospital or residence, either in person or by phone at any time of the day.
Casey said, "As the CARE responder, I listen, support, offer choices, give information and advocate for the victim. All of CARE services are confidential, including follow-up sessions after the assault."
Although women are the primary victim of sexual assaults, men can be victims too, but both should be watchful around campus.
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