How should fondling offenses be counted?

Counting fondling offenses correctly is essential for compliance with the Clery Act, which aims to provide transparency regarding campus crime statistics. The correct approach to counting fondling offenses is to count one offense per victim if it is the only sex offense.

This method ensures that each victim is acknowledged in terms of the impact and harm they have experienced. It recognizes that the experience of each victim is significant in its own right, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of sexual offenses on campus. By counting per victim rather than by the number of incidents or events, institutions uphold the integrity of reporting, aligning with the Clery Act's goal to convey an accurate representation of the safety on campus.

This counting methodology also addresses the broader public policy goals of the Clery Act, which seeks to increase awareness and encourage reporting of sexual offenses by assuring victims that their experiences are valued and that accurate statistics will reflect the reality of the situation. Each victim of fondling deserves to have their experience recognized and accurately reported in compliance with federal guidelines.