The co-director of Response says that, in addition to these workshops, creating a space for open dialogue on campus is an important step toward preventing future cases of sexual assault. She says that a significant reason people dismiss sexual assault is because they are reluctant to recognize that the majority of sexual assault cases are perpetrated not by the “stranger in the bushes,” but by an acquaintance, romantic interest, or even significant other.

“Coming to the realization that sexual assault could happen in your own dorm room with a friend or a person you’re seeing is really scary to think about, but it’s something you can’t deny,” she says, adding that many people dismiss this possibility by telling themselves that it could not happen to them.

“The key to an open dialogue is for people to realize that these experiences could happen to them or someone they care about,” she says. “For those of us who already recognize this is, it’s our responsibility to step up and start a wider dialogue.”

Marine says that the visible presence of OSAPR and the work it does to publicize the issue serve as a constant reminder of the existence of sexual assault on campus.

“There are very inexact ways of knowing whether OSAPR’s presence is changing people’s behavior, but it’s certainly raising reporting rates,” she says. “The virtue of having an office at all puts it on people’s radar, and the by-product is more awareness. Ideally that will ultimately result in fewer instances of sexual assault.”

AN EXPANDED MISSION

While Response and OSAPR have become central to Harvard College’s response to sexual assault, few other colleges have similar programs or offices to address these problems on their campuses.

“We’re able to offer students a place that provides comprehensive resources 24/7,” Rankin says, adding that few campuses provide this level of support. “We are very proud of our office. It’s small, but it exists.”

While it currently only works with undergraduates, the office will expand its services to the entire Harvard community beginning next fall.

As part of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ budget cuts—which began nearly two years ago—OSAPR’s budget was reduced by 25 percent, according to Rankin, and the office will not see an increase in its budget or the number of staff members as it expands to serve the entire University.

While Rankin says the office already fields phone calls and drop-ins from graduate students, its new purview will almost certainly be accompanied by an increase in responsibilities.

“OSAPR provides critical and compassionate services to students who are victims of sexual assault, as well as to their friends and significant others,” wrote Dean of the College Evelynn M. Hammonds in an e-mailed statement. “This decision will send a stronger, clearer message to students at all Harvard’s Schools that they can turn to OSAPR for assistance.”

—Melody Y. Hu contributed to the reporting of this story.

—Eric P. Newcomer can be reached at newcomer@fas.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Alice E.M. Underwood can be reached at aeunderw@fas.harvard.edu.