US: Better college stats needed on dating violence

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration wants colleges and universities to compile more thorough statistics on stalking, dating violence and domestic violence.

The Education Department announced today it is proposing a rule change to provide a better picture of these problems on campuses.

The change falls under the Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities to report crime statistics on or near their campuses and provide warnings in a timely manner if safety is threatened.

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 signed by the president amended the Clery Act by extending additional rights to campus victims. Victims’ advocates have said the statistics, as currently compiled, don’t always paint an accurate picture of the extent of sexual crimes on campuses.

“These new rules strengthen schools’ capacity to provide safer college campuses for students and to keep everyone better informed about campus security policies and procedures,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan said.