Sexual assault statistics for 17 colleges and universities in the D.C. are now available on an interactive online tool the organization End Rape On Campus launched Wednesday.

The Campus Accountability Map & Tool (CAMT)  compiles statistics from 2018 to 2020 on more than 750 colleges and universities across the country, including Puerto Rico. In addition to finding statistics, users can look up prevention efforts and support resources for survivors of campus assault at each school. They can also compare statistics and resources for as many as three different schools side by side and search schools by state.

Kenyora Parham, executive director of End Rape On Campus, says that the tool is “the first of its kind,” and notes that such information has been scattered and hard to find until now. She says the need for a more standardized system became clear following conversations with survivors of campus sexual assault over the years.

“In order to truly effectively fight for the change, we need to have this information be readily accessible for students,” Parham says.

The tool comes just months after hundreds of students across American University walked out in protest of the school’s handling of sexual misconduct, following an alleged sexual assault that occurred in late October at a freshman dorm. (American University owns WAMU/DCist.)

American is one of five D.C. higher ed institutions under active Title IX investigations, the other four being George Washington University, Georgetown University, Howard University, and the University of the District of Columbia – David A. Clarke School of Law.

Of the remaining 12 schools not under active investigations, 10 reported zero instances of fondling, dating violence, and stalking, and eight reported zero instances of rape and domestic violence.

Parham says these zeros aren’t necessarily positive statistics. It could indicate that the schools are failing to report information and may be violating the Clery Act, or it could mean there’s underreporting by victims, or that there are ongoing investigations. Even if investigations are incomplete, the Clery Act still requires schools to report statistics as well as that a report was made to begin with.

That means that there could be reporting issues in about half of D.C.’s colleges and universities, Parham says. And it could make the information in the app difficult to interpret for those looking to compare schools’ handling of sexual misconduct.

“I would also say that as you begin to look at the map and tool, you might see high numbers,” she says. “Those high numbers — while that may seem alarming — might be more indicative that that campus is doing a good job at making their campuses safer places to report.”

The data reveals a number of other issues, including that many schools across the country lack survivor support resources. D.C., Parham says, is no exception.

“D.C., unfortunately, is like every other city in the United States with respect to how they handle sexual assaults,” she says.

Only 35% of D.C. schools offer an amnesty policy protecting students from disciplinary action when reporting sexual misconduct they experienced or witnessed while consuming drugs or alcohol. Nationwide, 60% of schools offer an amnesty policy.

Just under half of D.C. schools — 47% — have a comprehensive definition of consent. 58% of schools nationwide do. 59% of D.C. schools offer “accessible comprehensive sexual health care,” while 51% of schools offer such care nationwide.

Going forward, Parham hopes the tool will help survivors connect more easily to resources they need and that it might enable students to hold their universities accountable.

“We want to make sure that this map and tool is truly informed by the needs of student survivors and advocates who are on the ground and who are at the heart of the movement,” Parham says. “We want to make sure that we’re providing this comprehensive tool that will always center them and  their needs.”

More than 100 volunteers, including students, helped gather data. Emily Ratkowiak, a volunteer and student at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., says the tool “transforms” the way people can access information related to sexual misconduct on campus.

“It’s time for institutions to be fully transparent with their students,” Ratkowiak writes to DCist/WAMU.

Parham says it could also help students and families choose the safest colleges. She hopes the tool will encourage colleges and universities to work with her organization and prioritize student welfare “before their reputation.”

“If they’re concerned about that, safety should be their number one priority,” she says. “Not if they’re the top ranking program, but if they’re the top ranking safety campus.”