The number of reported incidents of sexual assault has increased this semester.

Police captain Roger Pinac confirmed that two Loyola students who live on campus were involved in the sexual assault that happened on Sept. 14.

According to staff counselor Brooks Zitzmann, the increased number of reports is, in a way, a good thing.

“Sexual assaults are happening, but the fact that there have

already been two reported this semester I hope it is maybe an indicator that something is happening and there will be less tolerance,” she said. “There is a lot of work to still be done and we have a long way to go, but less silence means more energy towards raising awareness.”

In regards to the increase in reports, she also mentioned that this means people are actually using the resources they have available to them.

Zitzmann also said 90 percent of sexual assaults involve alcohol ,and as a society people should work to change that.

The main question that exists is how we change the view of society, and according to Zitzmann, sexual assault “is a complex problem so there is a complex result, and I’m not even sure what the exact answer is. We can raise media awareness through events like Take Back the Night and if you want non- violence, act non-violent.”

Pinac and Zitzmann also made it clear that people under the influence of alcohol cannot consent to any sexual activity. Zitzmann also said the offender can still be held accountable even if they are inebriated.

Pinac said in an email that people should avoid alcohol or illegal drugs and should make their intentions known in advance in a dating or friend situation.

According to Zitzmann, a vast majority of women’s lives are bound by the threat of sexual assault.

“It is prudent to recognize the reality of the situation and remain vigilant.”

Hannah Iannazzo can be reached at [email protected]