Article by Summer Grace & Photography by Luke Teigue | Owl Staff
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than half of women and almost one in three men have experienced sexual violence.
The experience of college, whether online, in-person, or anything in between, should be positive and safe for all those involved. However, according to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), thirteen percent of all college students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, and college-age victims often do not report to law enforcement.
Harford Community College implements various security measures to uphold student and faculty safety, working hard to address and prevent sex crimes on and off campus. Officers are on patrol every day of the year and twenty-four hours a day to ensure the safest environment possible.
“We try to have a continuing presence on campus as a visual deterrent and to also be a resource available to somebody if they had a concern or if they needed to report something,” says Duane Williams, HCC’s Director of Public Safety.
Upon receiving a call, Public Safety responds and investigates the concern immediately. Accusations of any offenses higher than sexual harassment are elevated to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.
“That’s provided that the victim is willing to do that. It’s not uncommon for us to get a report where the victim doesn’t want to report it,” Williams states.
According to Williams, the Sheriff’s Office also provides assistance through the Victim Services Unit. The unit is a resource for information and support in cases of violent crimes, suicide, and more.
“They’re really specialized, not many officers are trained to interview. You have to keep in mind that the victim is usually traumatized from the incident,” Williams explains.
Another service provided by Public Safety is the Harford Community College Escort Service. In any situation where a student or staff member may feel unsafe on campus, a Public Safety Officer will walk with them to their vehicle.
“We want to offer victims any available resources that we have here on campus but also be able to offer them resources that might be available off campus too.”
“They [students and staff] can always call us and we can give them an escort,” says Williams.
Additionally, Williams is a member of the Care Team, which he says provides a holistic approach, focusing not only on mental health but also on the physical and emotional needs of those who are seeking help. The Care Team reviews every code of conduct violation and Harford Cares referral form and determines the best way to proceed.
“We want to offer victims any available resources that we have here on campus but also be able to offer them resources that might be available off campus too,” Williams explains.
The Office of Public Safety participates in quarterly meetings with The Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center (SARC), a non-profit organization that provides a lifeline for survivors.
“We communicate with them to see how we promote awareness.” Williams continues, “If there’s law enforcement action or a criminal investigation that might need to take place, we might need to follow up with the victim.”
Public Safety sometimes receives reports of sexual assaults that occur off campus. While anyone who experiences sexual assault is encouraged to contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Public Safety still seeks to provide assistance and resources to those not on campus.
“If it happens off campus, we will offer them resources off campus and on campus but usually we have to follow up with them to see if they’re interested in making a formal report.” Williams continues, “We never want to force a victim to have to follow through with something because it is a traumatic experience, but we want them to feel supported and know that they have that resource to go to.”
If there is any confusion or uncertainty as to whether a crime has been committed, Public Safety will assist in determining the next course of action. You are not alone.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline- 1-800-656-4673.
Office of Public Safety & Escort Service- 443-412-2272
Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center- 410-836-8431
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network- 800-656-4673
Harford County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit- 410-836-5490
Care Team- 443-412-2132
This article was originally published on April 25, 2024.
Great interview which leaves us with peace of mind, with regard to escorting to car. I was a victim years ago and have only compassion for the victims. I just ran into Duane today. We graduated from NHHS together. Great job, all!