When it comes to women being assaulted, are colleges more interested in protecting their students — or the school’s reputation? Results of a study by the Center for Public Integrity (CPI) indicate students may not be getting the help they need.

Frightening news, considering a national study says 20% of women will either be raped or become the victim of an attempted rape before they graduate — yet more than 95% won’t report it to campus officials.

According to Sexual Assault on Campus: A Frustrating Search for Justice: “Student victims face a depressing litany of barriers that often either assure their silence or leave them feeling victimized a second time.” (Click here to view the full report.)

The barriers include “secret disciplinary proceedings, closed-mouthed school administrations, and off-the-record negotiations,” writes Kristen Lombardi, a CPI reporter.

“At times, school policies and practices can lead students to drop complaints, or submit to gag orders — a practice deemed illegal,” she continues.

The problem stems from a variety of sources: Lack of knowledge about the definition of “rape,” poorly trained staff on the college level, and shrinking budgets that make it difficult to maintain programs that would potentially assist victims.

What’s the answer? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Tags: Center for Public Integrity, Kristen Lombardi