College women at Buffalo State College may be more likely to be a victim of rape or other forms of sexual assaults, than women the same age but not in college according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

So does this suggest a college student's lifestyle is more of an at- risk behavior? Some may perceive college life as excessive partying, drinking and dating. Could this be among one of the reasons why sexual assaults on college campuses are on the rise?

The grim reality is many college students are uneducated on the topic of rape.

After interviewing several students at BSC, I found most students were unaware of any sexual assaults that took place on campus. Some students believe that rape isn't an issue at their college and that is because most cases go unreported.

According to Buffalo States College's criminal statistics there were only six incidents of sexual assault reported 2000- 2001. One of the most surprising aspects of sex crimes is how many go unreported. The most common reasons given by women for not reporting these crimes are the belief that it is a private or personal matter.

A rape occurs every 21 hours on college campuses in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. This is why Buffalo States College Feminist Action Network plans to organize a Rape Awareness event.

President Katie Tastrom of F.A.N said “ that there is need for a Rape Awareness event because many students are uneducated about rape it. Some students think that date rape is when you go on a date and someone rapes you. Rape can happen in a relationship when one partner pressures the other.”

The Feminist Action Network plans on working closely with the Wiegel Health Center in organizing the event that has yet to be schedule. The Rape Awareness event will include facts & myths about rape, rape kits and visuals, said the secretary of the F.A.N Morgan Duhe.