text: However, that number is trivial when compared with the 20 to 25 percent of college women who are reportedly sexually assaulted while attending college, according to the US Department of Education.
  Raising awareness about sexual assault and reducing the stigma associated with being a victim of sexual assault were central points throughout the evening’s speeches and discussion.
  “Being here is the first step to breaking the silence,” said Eva Drago ’13, president of the Cornell Women’s Resource Center. She noted that the timing of the event was meant to coincide with the fact that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
  Grant commended the victims of sexual assault who have been brave enough to come forward with their stories, as well as the student groups who have provided education and helped to give them a voice.
  “It is my firm belief that raising our voices together is the first step towards eliminating sexual violence on campus,” Grant said in her speech.
  This year, several new initiatives dealing with the issue of sexual assault on campus have sprung up online.
  For example, the Every1 Campaign has used a variety of media to generate conversation and change campus culture around these issues. The group recently launched a photo campaign and posted a video online.
  Additionally, a new website called Break the Silence at Cornell publishes stories anonymously submitted by victims of sexual assaults.