Spike in reported rapes on campus at UNC highlights need for more resources

Numerous rape cases have been reported in the last two weeks (six since Feb. 20) on UNC-Chapel Hill's campus, leaving some among the campus community worried for their safety.

Some of those rapes occurred recently, others were belatedly reported. One of the cases dates back to 2019, another is from 2021.

Students said they wished UNC would send out alerts about the rapes. They told WRAL the alerts could serve as a good reminder to stay on guard.

They also think UNC could do better at publicizing resources for survivors.

"I do think that UNC could do a better job at bringing these to light," said UNC sophomore Ryan Lipton. "Because the only way to sort of diminish these situations is to speak on it and do more action."

Rapes at UNC were recently reported on:

• Feb. 20: reported at residence hall, occurred Feb. 4, 2023
• Feb. 25: reported at Stacy residence hall, occurred Oct. 10, 2022
• Feb. 25: reported at a residence hall, occurred Jan. 28, 2023
• Feb. 27: reported at a residence hall, occurred in 2021
• March 1: reported at a residence hall, occurred in 2019
• March 4: reported at frat house, happened same date

Rachel Valentine with the Orange County Crisis Center told WRAL News that belated reporting is common. In some instances, the accused are people of power - such as student-athletes - and so the accusers are scared to report for fear of repercussions.

"When sexual violence is in the news, which is going to happen when there is a cluster of reports, that can be very activating for people who have their own trauma histories," Valentine said. "We just want people to know if you’re feeling activated … that you can reach out for support. There’s no time limit or statute of limitations on reaching out to get help."

"At college campuses or other insular communities like military or even high school campuses, we see a lot of delayed reporting in these settings," Valentine said. "Because you’re in a community setting where your harm doer is also there."

The university sent WRAL News a statement on the matter.

"UNC-Chapel Hill’s top priority is the safety of its students, faculty and staff," a school spokesperson said. "We take this responsibility seriously and encourage the reporting of incidents. It is important to keep in mind that some sexual assault and rape incidents are reported to Campus Security Authorities, some are reported to UNC Police, and some are reported to both. When and to whom survivors make a report is their choice."

In November, three rapes that occurred over the course of a year were reported over a five-day span.

At the beginning of the school year, a string of break-ins and thefts at a UNC dorm were reported.

If you or someone you know at UNC has been a victim of sexual assault, the UNC Police Department is available 24 hours a day by calling 911 in an emergency or 919-962-8100 for non-emergency assistance. Officers are also available in person at the Public Safety Building located at 285 Manning Drive.

The Orange County Rape Crisis Center has a confidential hotline available 24 hours a day. You can visit ocrcc.org or call 866-WE-LISTEN (866-935-4783) for more information.

The university encourages all members of our community to look out for one another and follow three main guidelines.

• Respect the rights and boundaries of others.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe and can do so, get to a safe place and call for help.
• Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.