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Lawmaker hopes to lower sexual assaults, stalking on college campuses in Indiana

Posted at 7:01 PM, Jan 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-24 13:20:33-05

Editor's note: Video that was formerly attached to this story contained inaccurate information. The video has been removed.

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana lawmaker wants to reduce sexual violence and stalking on college campuses.

Indiana State Sen. Frank Mrvan, D-Hammond, introduced legislation with the hopes of providing victims better support and educating them on their rights and options.

He says schools aren't doing enough to protect students and wants to cut down down on the incidents.

The bill would require every college or university in Indiana to have policies to better address reports of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking and designate "confidential advisors," to provide emergency and ongoing suppourt to victims.

"You can ask anybody on our campus and they will probably say they know one or two people, if not more, that have been sexually assaulted," Natalie Mendez, with Sigma Psi Zeta sorority at IUPUI, said.

Groups like Sigma Psi Zeta sorority are working to host and attend events working to empower and support people who have been sexually assaulted.

"At IUPUI in particular we do have a whole month dedicated to sexual assault awareness, where are you will see a lot of tabling, a lot of events going on, and a lot of voices heard," Mendez said. "But is there always more that we can be doing? Of course."

Mendez says some victims may not feel comfortable coming forward and reporting what happened because they fear the school won't do anything about it.

"It's not an easy bill," Mrvan said. "It's got a lot to it. But our kids deserve it."

Indiana University, including IUPUI, has numerous resources for students, faculty and staff in a committed effort to stop sexual violence. This website details information and resources for students, faculty and staff.

You can view more information about safety at colleges and universities from the U.S. Department of Education here.