In light of Jane Doe’s civil lawsuit against seven men in the Chi Phi fraternity and Cornell University, discussions of sexual violence, especially rape, have flooded both social media and the University of Nevada, Reno’s (UNR) campus.
Individuals have begun opening up about their own sexual violence experiences using #IamJaneDoe on Instagram. As of Thursday, Oct. 8, the hashtag has about 19,300 posts.
Sexual violence crimes are quite prevalent throughout the country. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported about 10,400 forcible sex offenses on college campuses in 2021, while warning that this number likely doesn’t capture all incidents due to underreporting.
In UNR’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for 2025, four total cases of rape were reported on the main campus. Other forms of sexual violence, including fondling and dating violence, were also reported.
In response to Jane Doe’s case, many organizations such as the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN), along with Greek life, have posted statements on their Instagram accounts. ASUN included a list of resources available to students such as NevadaCARES, Counseling Services and the University Police Department in their post.
The University Police Department offers a victim advocacy service for people affected by harassment, assault, stalking and other crimes.
Daela Gibson, victim services coordinator, said her job is to advocate for victims of crimes such as sexual assault, whether they choose to report and press charges or not. She said some victims choose not to report due to fear of getting in trouble for something they did, such as consuming alcohol.
“Please come talk to me. You’re not going to get in trouble just because you may be underage drinking,” Gibson said.
She said 70% to 85% of people who report sexual assault know their perpetrator personally.
According to an FBI crime data report, about 87% of the reported rape cases in Nevada within the past year labeled their offender as someone they knew.
“People can do everything right, every single thing right — but if they have somebody in their life that does not care about them and is a perpetrator and chooses to perpetrate violence on them, that is not the victim’s responsibility,” Gibson said.
NevadaCARES is another resource on-campus available for students. It’s a program under the School of Public Health providing advocacy services to students who have been impacted by power-based violence.
Lex Rodriguez, senior project coordinator of NevadaCARES, said providing students support is their number-one priority.
“Kelly and I are gonna drop every other job or meeting or thing for our students,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said NevadaCARES only has two staff members. She works alongside project coordinator Kelly Promise. Despite this, Rodriguez said she would never turn a student away, no matter how busy they might be.
“You’re not alone, and you are worthy of that support and that space. You have resources. You have people who will believe you,” Rodriguez said.
List of Resources on Campus
The University Police Department is located on the first floor of the Fitzgerald Student Services Building. You may report a crime through an online form, by calling (775) 784-4013, or by going into the office. In case of emergency, always call 911.Victim Services coordinator Daela Gibson’s email: dg*****@********nr.edu
NevadaCARES is located in the Edmund J. Cain Hall in room 239D. It is a fully confidential resource for University students for any power-based crimes such as sexual assault, domestic violence or stalking. You may connect with an advocate by filling out the Advocacy Appointment Request form, calling (775) 682-8006, emailing nv*****@*nr.edu or going into the office.
The Center for Civil Rights and Equal Access, where you can find the Title IX office, is located on the second floor of the Continuing Education Building. It can be used to report incidents that impede a student’s access to education and employment on-campus. You may file an online report by filling out the following form University of Nevada, Reno | Reporting, calling (775) 784-1547, emailing CC*@*nr.edu or going into the office.
Counseling Services is located in the William N. Pennington Student Achievement Center. They offer confidential counseling for all students taking six or more credits. You can schedule a same-day session for crisis or non-crisis concerns by filling out an online form or by calling (775) 784-4648.
The Student Health Center is located in the Nell J. Redfield Building. They offer pregnancy tests, STD/STI testing and treatment and sexual assault forensic exams, whether you choose to file a report with police or not. You can do a walk-in or schedule an appointment using the Patient Portal, or by calling (775) 784-6598.
