The Violence Against Women Act was recently added to the Clery Act, adding more protections for victims of sexual assault and dating violence. These revisions went into effect on July 1.
The Clery Act is a procedure that requires all colleges and institutions to share information about crime on campus and their efforts to improve campus safety as well as inform the public of crime in or around campus.
Originally enacted in 1990 and called the Student Right-To-Know Act, the act is named after Jeanne Clery, 19, a freshman student at Lehigh University located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, who was raped and murdered in 1989 by fellow student Joseph Henry, 20. Her murder brought about further attention to unreported campus crimes.
According to clerycenter.org, “institutions must have a policy statement addressing the jurisdiction of security personnel and notes any agreements in place for the investigation of alleged criminal offense.”
The revised Clery Act added protections for victims of dating violence, domestic violence and stalking whereas before it contained provisions for victims of murder, sexual offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, manslaughter, arson and more according to the Department of Education.
The Violence Against Women Act requires universities to have programs purposed to prevent crimes before they happen. These ongoing, educational programs are for both students and university employees and are required on campuses to receive government funding. Also included in the policy are procedures on what to do when incidents occur.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Katie Koestner, a national expert on campus safety and sexual misconduct, visited APSU to cover bystander empowerment, legal standards, response and prevention strategies and managing risk.
Junior healthcare management major Martez Hill says the recent crime rates at APSU are a situation that need to be controlled soon.
Senior broadcast major Ray Marshall said he feels “almost completely terrified” on campus after dark.
While he does not blame the college, he said with all the shootings and disturbances happening near campus in the last few years, it is “a little nerve wracking” walking to his car after being on campus late to do homework. If you feel unsafe on campus, call APSU Police at (931)221-7786 for an escort.
The amended Clery Act also includes information on hate crimes, hierarchy, confidentiality and disciplinary action.
Further information can be found at clerycenter.org and federalregister.org.
APSU has adopted policies and procedures to prevent and respond to incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
According to apsu.edu, “APSU is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment.”
