Report shows small increase in reported rapes on ASU campuses

PHOENIX — The number of on-campus rapes reported to Arizona State University police increased between 2014 and 2016, a report said.

The annual ASU Clery Act report showed that nine rapes were reported to police in 2014 across all of the school’s campuses, compared to 23 two years later.

ASU Police said more students reporting the crime was the reason for the increase.

“As a crime that remains largely unreported, increased reporting at ASU indicates that our education efforts are working as students understand their rights and feel comfortable about coming forward,” spokeswoman Katy Harris said in an email.

A vast majority of the rapes were reported on ASU’s main campus in Tempe, where a large portion of the school’s student body takes classes. Thousands live on that campus.

The report also showed there were more reported cases of dating violence in 2016 than 2014.

Two years ago, five incidents of dating violence were reported. Last year, that number rose to 19.

ASU has a website dedicated to helping students who have been raped report the incident and get help. It also has ongoing education programs to reduce the risk of sexual violence.

The school said it works with victims to rearrange their living or academic situations, even if the sexual misconduct has not been reported to the police.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to fighting sexual violence and harassment,” Harris said.

“ASU devotes significant resources to build awareness and education on the topic, and to ensure students felt safe and supported on campus should they experience sexual violence.”

Students convicted of sexual crimes can face a variety of sanctions from ASU — such as expulsion of degree revocation — in addition to prison time or fees.

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