“Rape is a first-degree felony, however this charge is often never followed up on. According to a University of Akron Police report, a student reported being raped in a residence hall last Wednesday. The report cited an injury to the student, however the victim involved did not provide authorities with any further information and declined to provide the name of the suspect involved.”
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Rape is a first-degree felony, however this charge is often never followed up on.

According to a University of Akron Police report, a student reported being raped in a residence hall last Wednesday. The report cited an injury to the student, however the victim involved did not provide authorities with any further information and declined to provide the name of the suspect involved.

The victim also declined to press charges.

Anne Spahr, Manager of the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties, said this behavior was relatively normal of rape victims.

It is fairly characteristic of rape victims not to press charges, she said. A lot of the time, it depends on the circumstances – alcohol use, available evidence against the suspect, relation of the victim to the suspect, or that particular person’s perception of the rape.

It depends on a lot of factors, really.

Spahr said that some victims initially report the crimes to police and later seek prosecution.

Every situation is different and everyone reacts differently, Maryann Deluca of the Medina Rape Crisis Center said. We try to encourage the victims to make the best decision in every situation.

We offer support to any victim that wants to prosecute, but we try not to influence their decision too much, Spahr said. We offer support to whatever decision they make.

Spahr said that in 75 percent of rape cases, the victim is acquainted with the suspect. Regardless of the relationship between the suspect and the victim, however, rape in the state of Ohio is a first-degree felony.

There’s an overwhelming betrayal of trust for the victim, Spahr said. It’s compounded with the sense of insecurity, especially if it happened in a residence hall, somewhere you live. A lot of your sense of identity is shattered.

The Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties provides multiple services for victims of rape and sexual assault, including a 24-hour crisis intervention, private sessions, a 24-hour hotline, hospital advocacy, legal advocacy, police interview help, accompaniment to the court interviews and educational programs.

We do serve university students, Spahr said. I would encourage anyone who’s been sexually assaulted to seek help.

The 24-hour hotline number for Summit and Medina counties is (330) 434-RAPE (7273) or toll free 1-888-906-RAPE (7273).

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