Madison's rape rate rose 58 percent last year, according to a Madison Police Department report Thursday. In 2003, 62 cases were reported and 94 incidents were reported in 2004.
Madison Police Department Lt. Kristin Roman said reported incidents have risen, but not necessarily all rape incidents. As many rape cases happen between acquaintances, it is not unusual for a rape to go unreported.
Roman added Madison's yearly rape rate usually varies by 20-30 percent.
Sara, a Woman's Studies major at UW-Madison, feels safe on campus and around town. \I don't feel scared to walk at night. I think the biggest thing is do you look, feel or act like a victim?""
The Rape Crisis Center's Kelly Anderson notes programs like Safe Walk and SafeRide curb violence and promote public safety.
""Still,"" she said, ""we tell girls to watch their drinks and not go out alone, but when one in six women at UW-Madison will experience a sexual aggression, we have to ask if we shouldn't be escorting the men.""
The Rape Crisis Center's hotline is 251-RAPE.
""The roles of victim and perpetrator are breaking down, and that's why people are reporting these things,"" Sara said. ""Communication and trust are imperative to prevent acquaintance date rape. As students, we take those values for granted.""
Madison's overall violent crime rate rose 9 percent in 2004 as well. Downtown's Central District saw the largest number of cases at 272, up from 228 in 2003. Chief of Police Noble Wray connects the central district surge to Halloween, the Mifflin Street block party and the Red Caboose shooting. The Audrey Seiler case also bolstered the number.
Alcohol plays a key role in violence, especially during big events like Halloween and the Mifflin Street party, said the report. The police department pledged to counteract alcohol-related problems by encouraging counseling.
Compared nationally, Madison's overall safety ratings are positive. Out of 33 similarly sized cities, it ranks at eighth lowest in violent crimes. Auto owners are particularly untroubled with a third lowest in motor-vehicle theft rate. Property crime ranks at fifth lowest nationally.
Historically, crime rates continue to exhibit a steady reduction in burglary and theft. In 1984, 8,754 cases of theft and 2,693 cases of burglary were reported and 2004 cut theft to 5,358 and halved burglary at 1,484.
