Forced sexual encounters up in Ind.

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A recent study shows young Hoosier females have the nation's second highest rate of forced sexual encounters.

A national study showed more than 17 percent of Indiana High School age and college females reported having been sexually assaulted.

Compared to the national average of 10 percent, that ranks Indiana second in the nation.

Aimee Janssen-Robinson from Indiana State University says research suggests up to 50 percent of these types of assaults are never reported but she says that could mean organizations that work towards preventing sexual violence, their efforts could be paying off.

"We may have seen an increase in reporting. A lot of times you see an increase in reporting when you start to do more prevention and provide more services related to sexual violence,” said Janssen-Robinson.

Janssen-Robinson says they recommend women travel in groups across campus or organize a buddy system at parties, she recommends a sober friend to stay by your side.

If a female is sexually assaulted, Janssen-Robinson says it's important that the victim seeks out help or counseling.