The results of a sexual and relationship violence survey conducted last summer by the University of Hawai‘i indicate that these types of crimes often go unreported. The startling number of students who confessed to sexual and relationship violence on and off the 10 UH campuses came from student surveys conducted by UH President David McClain and the UH Commission on the Status of Women in randomly selected lecture classes.
A total of 2,000 students were surveyed throughout all the UH campuses, but 141 female students from just UH Mānoa reported being abused by a partner, sexually assaulted, raped or stalked. Only six reported it to campus security or police.
Males reported fewer crimes than females. The pattern of silence continued as only one male, out of the 39 who indicated in the survey they had similar experiences, reported the incident to police.
"The survey makes it clear that this is not just a campus issue and more of a community issue," said Carolyn Tanaka, vice president for external affairs and university relations. "It's a social issue."
The survey asked questions specifically referring to encounters that happened since the students had enrolled in the UH system, but the incidents could have have occurred on or off any campus.
"What we know from national studies is that most often this type of violence happens between people who know each other, like a family friend or boyfriend," said Louise Pagotto, chair for the UH Commission on the Status of Women. "There are times where it is very difficult for the victim, and they fear the consequences. Sometimes there is shame involved, and they feel a failing on their part."
Out of the UH Mānoa student survey reports, 55 incidents occurred on campus.
The university is striving to avoid these confrontations on campuses. In 2005, UH President David McClain requested that each campus spend $1.2 million on security measures, including better lighting, more security officers and emergency call boxes.
Also, starting Sunday night, Sept. 16, Honolulu police officers will provide added security around the 300-acre UH Mānoa campus from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Extra HPD security was requested because students who dorm are more susceptible to these crimes on campus. "I feel safer that I don't dorm," said Kim Chai, a senior at UH Mānoa studying family resources. "It's scary enough to walk to my car from my night classes, but to imagine someone following me to where I sleep is even scarier. The survey should ask more questions about dorm incidents."
Every year, UH campuses generate crime statistics, but these statistics are based only on crimes that students have reported. Generally, most sexual and relationship crimes go unreported.
The university conducts anonymous surveys every three years, a practice that started in 2003. Last summer's survey was the second. Some say the outcome is more accurate than the crime statistics because students are more willing to admit the crimes with no fear of consequences.
The fact that students hesitate to report sexual crimes has raised awareness throughout the university. "Each campus has at least counselors. UH Hilo and UH Mānoa have women centers where students can turn to for help," said Pagotto. "Students should not be afraid to speak up. I think the survey results really show us that we have a lot of work to do to raise awareness. We need to do a better job; we are an educational institution and we need to help students understand the situation."
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