If the number of sexual assaults reported recently in the Chapel Hill area is any indication, campus and community sexual assault centers and support groups are as necessary as ever.
Fifteen sexual assaults were reported last semester to Student Health Service through the Office of the Dean of Students, said assistant dean Melinda Manning.
Seven sexual assaults were reported to Chapel Hill police, said Sabrina Garcia, domestic violence and sexual assault specialist with the department.
This spring, the Orange County Rape Crisis Center will take steps to aid those who have been assaulted. Residents are welcome to join one of two groups that provide confidential support and are meant to aid the healing process for sexual assault victims.
Between July and December 2004, about 200 people received services from the center, said Executive Director Margaret Barrett.
“The most important idea is that if you’re a survivor of sexual violence, you are not alone,” Barrett said. “There is power in coming together in a safe place for healing.”
Manning said that at the University, victims do not come forward because they are scared of getting in trouble or because their parents could get involved.
All cases are handled as confidential matters, Manning said, and names of involved parties are not released to the press.
“It only goes somewhere if they want to take it somewhere … Our primary goal is to help,” she said.
