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WVU report reveals shocking statistic

A report issued this week by West Virginia University ought to worry — and anger — parents, regardless of where their college-bound children plan to study.

More than 5,700 students, both male and female, responded to a WVU survey last spring. About one-third of the women and some of the men reported they had been sexually assaulted.

Ten percent of female respondents said they had been raped.

Before you cancel that campus visit to Morgantown, consider this: Walter DeKeseredy, director of WVU’s Research Center on Violence, says the WVU numbers are not out of line with those at other colleges and universities. National studies affirm that.

What can parents of teens bound for college do?

Talk to them. Especially if they are female, explain how they can avoid situations in which sexual assault is more likely. Tell them what to do if they fear they may be victimized.

If your children are boys, tell them this: Forcing oneself sexually on someone else, or taking advantage of another person’s temporary incapacity, is not acceptable.

Period.

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