WASHINGTON (AP) - New federal data shows that reports of forcible sex offenses at the flagship public universities of Maryland and Virginia doubled last year.
The data shows that there were 19 reports at the University of Maryland in 2013, up nine from the year before. At the University of Virginia, there were 27 reports in 2013, compared to 11 the year before.
School officials and victim advocates say the numbers reflect a growing awareness of sexual assault on campuses across the country, rather than more dangerous campus environments.
The Washington Post reports that schools also are documenting the problem more thoroughly than ever, educating students about preventing sexual assault and developing procedures to respond to them.
Forcible sex offenses include rape, sodomy, fondling and sexual assault with an object.