That (the NCVS) is one of 3 major surveys that the media has thrown around. The others are the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) [a CDC study] and the Campus Sexual Assault Study (CSA). It was the CSA that was used that had the most alarming statistics, but was also attacked the most for its methodology (only two unnamed campuses, web-based survey with lower response rate). The CDC study is the one quoted by Obama recently that drew some flak (nearly 1 in 5 women are raped or have faced attempted rape), but it is largely considered some of the best available data out there in the U.S., at least taken from a public health standpoint. The NCVS is taken from a criminal justice standpoint, while the CDC (and CSA) are taken from a public health perspective, not trying to determine per se whether the actions are criminal. There are problems with any study obviously, but I think it’s clear that unwanted sexual contact occurs more frequently than many of us would like to admit.
Why should anyone care what you believe, exactly?
I’m sure rape occurs on college campuses but I think they are quite rare. Feminist activists combined with hysterical media reporting has created a mountain out of a tiny molehill. The Rolling Stone Jackie Coakley story was a lie. Erica Kinsman continues to cry rape against FSU quarterback Jameis Winston but none of the attempts have lead to legal charges or university discipline.
We must travel in very different circles. I don’t know anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault.
Yes, you do.
Is it possible that people you know do not confide in you? Given your dismissive attitudes about rape, if I were acquainted with you I would certainly not discuss my rape with you.
Might Winston’s status as an athlete have something to do with it?
If you are an upper-middle class parent – of the sort to work in media or upper-level job in government or academia – the idea of “rape on campus” is a visceral, terrifying idea demanding immediate action. “Rape in the trailer park/ghetto/reservation/prison” is an abstract tragedy.
Like most crimes, rape is correlated strongly to poverty. There is zero empirical support for the idea of it being higher among the wealthier, more educated populace of college campuses.
Whenever there is a “cause” the promoters of said “cause” almost always exaggerate, misuse statistics, use straw man argument, or broaden the normally accepted criteria to promote their issue.
Keep that in mind for almost everything. This is no exception.
Not at all. The FSU discipline case, which did not require the same level of standard as a criminal case, was decided by a former Florida Supreme Court justice.