The Dragon Chronicle

SUNY Cortland's Student Publication

Sexual Assault at SUNY Cortland: One Student’s Story

·

This article presents the story of one current SUNY Cortland sophomore who told a Dragon Chronicle reporter about her experience. That student asked to remain anonymous, and her identity is known only to the reporter. While this is just one story, sexual assault remains an issue at SUNY Cortland, as at all college campuses. Nationally, campus sexual assault makes up 43% of all on-campus crimes according to the APA. Many instances of sexual assault go unreported.

This Cortland student described receiving support both from friends and from the campus’s Title IX office. Cortland’s Title IX office is located in Miller Building, room 309. According to the Title IX Office’s website, the office “is responsible for preventing and responding to acts of sex and gender discrimination,” which include sexual assault and sexual harassment. Reports can be made in person, by email or phone, or via a link on the Title IX office website.

Additional resources can be found at the bottom of this article.

Her Story

The student interviewed was assaulted in the fall semester of her freshman year.

The group of girls I went out with left me alone that night. I was new to Cortland and didn’t know the area that well. That night changed who I was as a person and I fell behind in all my classes. I did not report the incident until a few months later and it was terrifying walking into the [Title IX] office.

According to the APA, students have a higher risk of being a victim of sexual assault during their first semester of college, more specifically during the first few weeks. The period from August to November is known as the “red zone,” when about 50% of campus sexual assault incidents occur. Students who are new to campus are particularly vulnerable in this time, according to the APA.

RAINN, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, is one of America’s largest anti-sexual violence organizations, operating a national sexual assault hotline since 1994. According to RAINN, about one in five college-aged female survivors receive assistance from a victim services agency. Four out of five students do not report the sexual violence they experience to law enforcement, per RAINN’s statistics.

The Cortland student carried the trauma for months without telling anyone.

I didn’t report it for so long because I didn’t know if anyone would believe me. I didn’t know if it was even serious enough. I mean, I thought I could handle all the anxiety, fear, and isolation alone. I thought it was strong of me to do that but I was wrong. Asking for help was the part that was actually strong.

RAINN has studied the reasons why 80% of college-aged students who experience sexual violence do not report to law enforcement. According to RAINN, 20% said they feared reprisal, 12% said they did not believe it was important enough to report, and 9% believed police would not or could not do anything to help.

The student said the support she received from her roommate made a difference in her decision to report the incident.

My roommate came back from class one day and saw me crying. All of a sudden, the weight on my shoulders became too heavy. I told them and they listened. I felt seen and heard for the first time. In that moment, I realized I did not have to go through this alone.

Her friend’s support helped, but it was still hard to go to the Title IX office.

I went into the [Title IX] office and was so scared. I felt like I was going to pass out. The people there were so supportive and comforting during the whole process. They helped me start down the path of getting my voice and power back. I started going to counseling and my professors worked with me to get my academics back on track.

The student said she hopes other sexual violence survivors know that they don’t have to be alone.

Asking for help is the strongest thing one can do.

YikYak Poll of SUNY Cortland

In an attempt to gain an approximation of sexual violence at SUNY Cortland, a Google survey was posted on SUNY Cortland’s YikYak. While this poll was not statistically rigorous, the survey did receive 324 anonymous responses. Respondents were asked if they had been a victim of sexual assault on campus, and if so, whether the incident was reported or not. The format was a short poll with no “open answer” responses. The results were not broken down by demographics.

Of the 324 anonymous respondents, 27% said they experienced sexual assault. According to this online survey, 7% of respondents said they had experienced sexual assault and had reported it, while 20% said they experienced sexual assault and did not report it. According to RAINN‘s statistics, 13% of all college students, and 26.4% of undergraduate women, experience rape or sexual assault.

Campus Support

Dr. Roueida Ghadban is the Director of Conley Counseling and Wellness Services, , which is located on the ground floor of Van Hoesen, room C013. Ghadban said that everyone has their own timeline on their journey to healing. Some people come in right away while others don’t. The Counseling Center’s staff are ready to support whenever the person is ready to talk, said Ghadban.

“The first step on helping this issue on campus is recognizing that it happens and talking about it,” said Ghadban.

Maggie Wetter has been the Director of Title IX since 2020.

“Our goal is to foster trust and confidence in our reporting structures and procedures,” said Wetter. This commitment is grounded in integrity, respect, and transparency for our community members.”

Confidentiality and Reporting Options

Privacy laws grant a wide range of protections to any student who reports a claim.

According to the Title IX Office’s website, “The University will make every effort to keep the confidentiality of any person(s) reporting a claim.” The Title IX office will share information only with “appropriate individuals” if they determine there is a “threat of imminent harm to an individual or to the community.”

Most Cortland employees are legally required to report a sexual assault, but certain categories of employees are not required to disclose. Licensed professional counselors, including those who work at the Counseling center, are bound by rules of confidentiality. Licensed medical practitioners and ordained clergy also must maintain confidentiality.

SUNY Cortland also lists the Aid to Victims of Violence in Cortland as a confidential resource. This organization offers a variety of services to victims of sexual assault and other crimes. Their free services include the opportunity to connect with an advocate who can offer a free forensic rape exam. Advocates can also meet students on campus and go with them to the hospital.

SUNY Cortland Resources

Below is a list of sources that will provide support, guidance, and justice for sexual violence survivors.

Other Local Resources

National Resources