Peer Groups Deserved Early Rape Statistic Access

To the editors:

While The Crimson asks how the release of privileged information could be of use to student groups operating out University Health Servies (UHS), I

wonder how the dissemination of preliminary findings--which have not been organized or standardized in accordance with the national study--would be of use to the student body (Editorial, Oct. 25).

There was a purpose to making peer educators party to the UHS statistics about sexual assault at Harvard before releasing them to the public. Our job, in serving the Harvard community, is to think very hard about rape and sexual assault and determine ways in which to teach Harvard students--who generally believe themselves to be invulnerable to such tragedies--how to be responsible and thoughtful in a college environment

where these things are experienced.

Privileged access to the UHS report was advantageous in that it enabled us

to do our job better, knowing more accurately the scope of the issue we are dealing with. Equipped with this information, peer educators are more comprehensively trained and are, thus, more helpful when we turn to the students in outreach. We are glad that you realize and find it worth to reporting that "Rape Happens at Harvard." Meanwhile, Peer Relations and Date Rape Education, Response, The Coalition Against Sexual Violence and other peer groups do not find this to be news, as we have built our mission around and have personally committed ourselves to increasing awareness of this fact.