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White House Working To Stop Sexual Assault On College Campuses

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- A father of two girls calls on the country to review laws and change the culture that fosters sexual assault on college campuses. President Obama Friday asked Americans to take a pledge.

Political reporter Pat Warren has more on what's become a national concern.

It's everywhere.

"As far as we've come, the fact is from sports leagues to pop culture to politics, our society still does not sufficiently value women. We still don't condemn sexual assault as loudly as we should," President Obama said.

A White House report finds 1 in 5 women is sexually assaulted in college. Women between the ages of 16 and 24 have the highest rates of sexual violence by someone they know.

"We make excuses, we look the other way. The message that sends can have a chilling effect on young women," the president said.

A Baltimore group that provides counseling tells WJZ many of their clients are local college students.

"I think there is a culture of sexual assault on campuses. I think that young women go to college and expect that this might happen to them," said Amanda Cardone-Luyben, TurnAround.

"It's on us to stop sexual assault," a public service announcement said.

That announcement appeals to people on campus to make sure friends are safe and intervene where necessary.

"That's not always easy to do with all the social pressures to stay quiet or go along. You don't want to be the guy that's stopping a friend from taking a woman home even when it looks like she doesn't or can't consent. Maybe you hear something in a locker room that makes you uncomfortable or see something at a party that you know isn't right," President Obama said.

"It's on us--all of us--to stop sexual assault. Learn how and take the pledge at itsonus.org," the public service announcement said.

President Obama says the campaign is building on the momentum of young people who are already working to change the culture on college campuses.

The president calls how we value and defend the rights of women and girls "a personal priority."

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