WKSU News: Survey data shows the University of Akron is addressing sexual assault

Wednesday, November 4, 2015 Survey data shows the University of Akron is addressing sexual assault The university is one of the first in Ohio to conduct such a survey by WKSU's MICHAEL BRATTON	Reporter Michael Bratton

Interim Dean of Students Michael Strong says the survey has the University of Akron working hard to address sexual assaults on campus.

Courtesy of Michael Strong, LinkedIn

Nearly 7 percent of students at the University of Akron say that they’ve been forced to have non-consensual sexual contact.

That’s according to results from a survey distributed last spring aimed at better understanding how sexual assault affects the university.

Interim Dean of Students Michael Strong says the response from students and staff has been an eye-opener for the school.

LISTEN: Strong on the response

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“More so than anything, I would point to everyone that I’ve spoken to in our community about sexual violence prevention understands the need and is receptive to listening," said Strong. "And the more work we do, the more we realize we have a very long way to go to achieving our goals ending sexual violence, sexual assault.”

Results also show that bystander intervention training would be helpful and suggest the need to better engage male students in educational programs on sexual assault.