5 Cs

Online Writing
Compare:
SEO Character Count
Word Count
Words Per Sentence
Sentences Per Paragraph
Passive Voice %
Grade Level
Cut:

Readability Stats
Original
23
494
16.3
1.6
30%
10.6

Rewrite
45
486
16.1
29
17%
10.8

I cut according to the doj from the SEO head

I cut out the last line of the summary-blurb teaser because I could not attribute it
I cut out the word startling to describe statistics
I cut out passive voice under second subhead
I cut the word very before prevalent
is due to -> comes from
have been -> are

Contribute:
I underlined the word rates in the SEO head
I added a new sentence to the end of the first graf that comes directly from the
report
that -> these victims to clarify
this -> this phrase to clarify
Clean up:
I transposed DOJ and report in the deck
I changed U.S. Department of Justice to adhere to ap style
I transposed the second graf to move the date to the beginning of the sentence
I spelled out percent in three places to adhere to ap style
I spelled out post-traumatic stress disorder on first reference
I corrected the spelling of McKeldin in the caption of the image
Collaboration:
I asked my TA to clarify how and where to write the time and date
I used RTs suggestions to fix ap style and I referenced the book
I asked my study buddy about how to fix the formatting for the assignment
as it was different from many others

###

Synopsis
Online Writing
Type of Story:
This story is written from the perspective of a public information officer for the
Department of Justice.
Technique:
DOJ web style
Online format
Subheads
Bulleted list
Internal and external links embedded in text
Focus/Theme:
The story is about the DOJs report on the most recent rape and sexual assault data in the
country. The story discusses general sexual assault data and data pertaining to college
campuses.
News Values/Qualities:
Impact- this data reveals that fact that a large number of girls and women are at
risk of being sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
Timeliness- these are the most recent statistics regarding sexual assault
Target Audience:
All women because everyone is at risk for sexual assault
College students who are at a greater risk of rape and sexual assault
Anyone who has been a victim of assault or has a friend who is. This story can act
as a resource for these people.
Members of sexual assault prevention groups or clubs
###

ADVANCE FOR RELEASE AT 3 P.M. EST

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015
HTTP://WWW.BJS.GOV/
SEO: Campus Sexual Assault Rates Soar According to
DOJ
SUMMARY BLURB-TEASER:
College Campuses Leave Students at Risk
A new report by the Department of Justice suggests that
college students, especially women, are now at a high risk
of being sexually assaulted. This report alerts at risk
populations to the potential dangers they could face.
MAIN HEAD AND ARTICLE:
College Campuses Become Hotbed for Sexual Assault
A new DOJ report suggests increased rate of sexual assault
cases.
In a January 2014 study, The U.S. Department of Justice
finds statistics describing the severe increase in sexual
assault cases on college campuses.
The study reveals that 22 million women are raped in their
lifetimes. This translates to one in five women being
sexually assaulted while in college.
The DOJ defines sexual assault as any type of sexual
contact that occurs without explicit consent by the
recipient. Strangers only perpetrate 14 percent of rape
cases, meaning the majority of rapists are somebody the
victim knows. Of these victims, over half of them are raped
by an intimate partner.
Why College Campuses?
The most common type of rape on college campuses is
incapacitated assault. This phrase means the rapist takes
advantage of the victim while he or she is under the

influence of alcohol, drugs, passed out or otherwise

incapacitated.
(more)
Rebecca Toporoff, A#6 DOJ Story, Page 2
Alcohol is a factor on both ends of the equation. The DOJ
finds perpetrators who drink believe their sex drives
increase, and that a victim is more interested in sex.
Only 12 percent of students report their assailants to law
enforcement. This lack of reporting leaves many cases of
post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and drug and
alcohol abuse unlinked to rape cases.
Additionally, the DOJ finds that most campus rapists are
serial offenders, with over half of assailants admitting to an
average of six rapes in their college career.
Statistics of Sexual Assault
The Rape, Abuse and Incest Network states that every 107
seconds, another American is sexually assaulted.
RAINN also says 98 percent of assailants will never see a
day in jail. Although prevalent on college campuses, sexual
assault and rape cases also affect the greater U.S.
population.
The DOJ report states:
Multiracial women are more likely to be raped than
any other racial group.
Almost half of female victims are raped before they
turn 18.
A quarter of male victims are raped before age 10.
High-risk groups include people with disabilities,
the LGBT community, prison inmates and the
homeless population.
Sexual Assault at UMD
ABC News reports a steady rise in sexual assault cases at
the university and in the DC area. The attorney general
believes this increase comes from a decreased stigma
surrounding sexual assault.

The universitys Office of Civil Rights and Sexual

Misconduct has several strategies to combat sexual assault
on campus.
(more)
Rebecca Toporoff, A#6 DOJ Story, Page 3
The universitys programs include the Rule of Thumb
pledge, which states students pledge to be part of the
solution, and UMD Its On Us Campaign, a series of short
public service announcements educating students on sexual
assault prevention.
The university recently
sponsored an event titled walk
a mile in her shoes. Men
Advocates for sweeping sexual
walked one mile in
misconduct policy changes urge
womens high-healed shoes in order to
President Loh to step up efforts.
Picture courtesy of Office of Sexual
raise awareness about sexual
Misconduct and Relationship Violence.
assault. Campus wide events bring the community together
Men gathered at McKeldin Mall to walk one mile in womens
to increase awareness and
shoes.
solve the sexual assault
Photo from Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct.
problem.
###