Local students react to new college rape statistics

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ESTERO, Fla.- Alarming new numbers about rapes on college campuses. A study shows one out of five college women will be a victim of rape.

“The thought that it happens to every college student, one in five, that’s kind of mind blowing,” said Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) student Makayla Morgan.

FGCU and Florida SouthWestern State College have a number of programs to try to prevent sexual assault and rape as well as educating students on what to do if they do become a victim.

At orientation, personal safety police department members talk to new students about preventing a dangerous situation in hopes of starting a conversation that can continue with students and their parents.

“You see TV shows about it but you never really think it can happen to you,” said FGCU student Lainey Poole.

If a student does become a victim of rape, the school also has what they call the Silent Witness Program where students can report anonymously. The University Police Department tells WINK News they also stress to students the importance of getting medical attention immediately.

They say not only is it important to be checked out, you can also provide valuable information to detectives to find the suspect if you keep the clothes you were in and don’t bathe before being examined.

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