Political Leaders Say More Needs To Be Done To Prevent Sexual Violence On College Campuses

Political leaders say more needs to be done at both the state and federal levels to prevent sexual violence on college campuses. Stakeholders gathered in Indianapolis today to discuss ways to reduce sexual assault.

Sexual assault prevention advocates, elected officials, and representatives from 21 of Indiana’s colleges and universities attended the meeting sponsored by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

Indianapolis Representative Christina Hale has championed sexual assault legislation in Indiana. She says the state has made some progress in recent months but many state laws need to be clarified.

“We really don’t have a good definition of consent here in Indiana regarding sexual assault," Hale says. "Certainly, I’m looking at the legislation just passed in California about affirmative consent and how we can do a better job on what that might mean to prosecute people and actually to protect people.”

Congress is also considering a measure that aims to address sexual assault on college campuses. Congresswoman Susan Brooks is a co-sponsor of the House version and says she hopes Congress will make significant progress on the issue next year.