The New York State Education Department says the University of Rochester has experienced a major spike in sexual violence.

Data shows a 129% increase in reported cases.

The report says there were 142 cases of sexual violence reported to the Title IX coordinator in 2019. That's compared to 62 cases from 2018.

Most of the cases were reported to have happened on campus. The report shows in at least 14 cases, the respondent was found to be responsible.

University leaders say the school has increased its training and education efforts, adding on more case investigators and staff members to help students become more aware of how to report sexual misconduct. 

Three case investigators were added to the Office of Equity and Inclusion, as well as a fulltime staff member being assigned to helping students understand their reporting options.

The school released a statement on the report:

"The University of Rochester is committed to ensuring a safe living and learning environment for all of our students, and in the past two years especially, the staff working on Title IX matters within the Office of Equity and Inclusion have dramatically increased training and education efforts so that students are much more aware of reporting sexual misconduct and seeking help. Three case investigators have been added to the Office of Equity and Inclusion recently, and a full-time staff member within the office has been dedicated to helping students understand their reporting options, including clarifying how to make a report, and the types of reports that can be made (anonymous, internal investigation only, or criminal investigation). This has encouraged greater reporting—particularly the ability for an individual to file an anonymous report—and has helped significantly reduce any underreporting of sexual misconduct on our campuses. We view the increase in reporting as a positive sign of students’ willingness to report and place their trust in the University to resolve their concerns and provide them with support and resources."