Reported rapes at CSUN nearly tripled in 2016, report says. Here's what else it shows

Nov. 06--Fourteen rapes were reported in Cal State Northridge's jurisdiction in 2016, nearly three times the figure reported the previous year, according to the university's annual security report.

Nearly all of the 14 rapes reported last year -- which includes four that allegedly occurred in 2015 and one in 2014 -- occurred in campus residential facilities, according to the CSUN report and university officials.

In contrast, five rapes were reported in 2015 and two were reported in 2014.

While even one reported rape is too many, "I think that's actually a positive trend in terms of seeing numbers going up of reports, because that really signals to us that we're getting through to people -- that they feel comfortable and empowered getting support or helping others and that they feel comfortable and trust in our system of accountability as well," said Susan Hua, CSUN's director of equity and diversity.

All of the reported rapes were investigated by CSUN's Department of Police Services unless the complainant was anonymous, a university spokeswoman said. It was not immediately clear whether any arrests had been made in connection to these investigations.

The "majority" of the rapes reported were allegedly perpetrated by people the victim knew, Hua said. However, school officials did not immediately disclose that precise number.

The increase reflects a rise in reported rapes -- and not necessarily a rise in the number of incidents themselves, since sexual assault numbers are generally grossly under-reported, Hua said.

"The bottom line is that we do not tolerate sexual misconduct, which includes rape, of course," she said. And "if we don't know this is happening, we cannot be responsive to it."

CSUN in recent years has "ramped up" existing programming on prevention, making sure students and employees get mandatory information about what consent means and particularly under California law, Hua said. They also learn what it means to be a bystander and have the courage to step in and intervene when there's a problem or a warning sign.

Officials have also elevated efforts to make sure that Resident Assistants, who supervise those living in the residence halls, "feel empowered and know how to respond to disclosure of sexual assault," she said.

The statistics are included in a report required of colleges and universities that receive federal funding under the Clery Act. They help inform the university about whether these incidents are happening, where they are happening and any other patterns that can help with prevention, Hua said. It also enables the university to ensure there are support systems available to those who are affected.

"There is a supportive environment and campus climate here, where there is help for survivors and resources for them, and for those allies and friends who know people who are survivors, to get the help they need," Hua said. "And we are committed to a strong level of accountability for those who commit these types of crimes and offenses and we have processes in place to hold those accountable."

Among the other notable changes in crime reporting:

Domestic violence is defined as abuse committed against someone who is a current or former spouse; current or former cohabitant or someone with whom the abuser has a child or has or has had a dating or engagement relationship or a person similarly situated under California domestic or family violence law, according to the report.

READ THE REPORT: Cal State Northridge's security report for 2016

CSUN Police Chief Anne P. Glavin said police, along with other department officials, do a campus safety walk each year to see if additional lighting or other safety enhancements are needed. In addition, the university is always increasing its security camera system each year, depending on funds that are available.

The camera system has cut down on thefts of vehicles in parking lots and garages, she said.

Motor vehicle thefts increased from 8 reported incidents in 2015 to 16 reported incidents in 2016. However, the reason, Glavin said, is that 10 electric carts the university owns were stolen. However, nearly all of the carts, if not all, were recovered, she said.

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