The number of reported rapes in Berkeley is the highest it has been in more than a decade. This revelation, demonstrated in statistics recently presented to Berkeley City Council, should be a wake-up call for the local community. In 2012, almost 40 instances of rape or attempted rape were reported — nearly double the number from the year before.
As a community, we must recognize that this number is intolerable. The statistics should prompt an open reflection among community members about how we can create a culture that prevents more rapes from occurring. A widespread dialogue has the opportunity to enlighten more students and other residents about available safety measures and resources as well as improve those options. Collectively, we must ask ourselves: Are we doing all that we can to prevent sexual violence?
Admittedly, it is difficult to discern at the moment whether the spike is due to an actual increase in rapes or a higher number of victims coming forward. Still, any occurrence of rape is unacceptable. And the real number could be even higher because many rapes inevitably go unreported. Because of this, community dialogue should also focus on creating an environment in which victims feel comfortable coming forward.
The conversation is particularly relevant to the campus community, because many of the reported incidents occurred among the student-age population. Moreover, substance abuse was a factor in about half the city’s reported rapes or attempted rapes in 2012. At one point, alcohol accounted for nearly 100 percent of reported rapes on campus. This is inexcusable.
Already, campus officials are undertaking commendable efforts to improve the situation. Since 2011, UC Berkeley has required incoming students to attend a seminar about sexual assault through the EmpowerU program. But the numbers show that we can do more. It is vital that discourse about preventing rape not fade into the background, because even one incident is far too many.