SUNY System Implements New Sexual Violence Policy

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - New York is implementing new rules to address sexual violence at its state universities.

The policy will include a statewide training program for campus police and the creation of a single, statewide definition of sexual consent for all of the 64 SUNY campuses.

Each campus will also have to ensure students can rep

ort sexual violence to campus law enforcement or the local police department.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the changes Thursday at a meeting of the SUNY Board of Trustees in Manhattan. The governor says the new plan is in response to ``an epidemic'' of sexual violence on college campuses.

Listen to SUNY System Implements New Sexual Violence Policy

As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, the policy will also cover assaults on LGBT victims and take effect in 60 days.

"Fewer than 5 percent of the rapes of college women are reported to law enforcement," Gov. Cuomo said, "which means the perpetrator, the rapist, can go on and rape again."

Reports issued last month by 29 SUNY campuses say there were 238 cases of sexual violence and 145 cases of verbal sexual harassment during the 2013-14 academic year.

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