Katie Koestner, date-rape survivor and sexual assault-prevention advocate, asked her audience Tuesday night, "How long does it take each of you to trust somebody?"

Koestner was raped during her first semester at William & Mary in Virginia and, because of what she calls her University's inadequate response to her story, Koestner now travels to schools all over the country to educate students about date-rape.

"Victims are often described as naïve. The definition of naïve must be to think that it is possible to be alone in a room with someone and not have sex," said Koestner. "But alarmingly, in 84 percent of rape cases, the victim knows her attacker."

Koestner's attacker was another freshman she met during freshman orientation during her first week at school. Koestner reported the incident to her resident assistant a few days later and was immediately taken to the campus health center where a nurse gave her sleeping pills and told her she would feel better after a good night's sleep.

"No one told me about the 72-hour rule. If you or someone you know is raped, you have three days to go to the hospital to get evidence collected. Do not forget this," said Koestner.

Koestner especially addressed the men in the audience because rape is an issue they must deal with as well.

"One in eight men is sexually assaulted. If that doesn't concern you, keep in mind that one in four women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime. That means maybe your mom, your friend, your girlfriend, your sister or one day maybe your daughter," said Koestner.

William & Mary urged Koestner to rethink her decision to press charges against the young man who raped her, reminding her of the seriousness of the charge. Koestner refused to reconsider, and her attacker was found guilty at a University hearing. However, his punishment was a one- semester ban from Koestner's residence hall.

Outraged, Koestner took her story to the media and has since appeared on the cover of Time magazine, the Oprah Winfrey show, NBC Nightly News, Larry King Live and more than 30 other programs.

"Last week I told my story to a high school in California and after the assembly I counted 52 hugs from girls who came up to me and said, `Me too,'" said Koestner. "I didn't reach those girls in time, but I haven't given up yet."

Koestner was invited to Notre Dame by the Campus Alliance for Rape Elimination (CARE), the Women's Resource Center, Lyons Hall, the Counseling Center and Notre Dame Security/Police. CARE vice-president Kelly McGeever said future activities sponsored by the organization include a sexual assault awareness week, which will be held later this semester.

• Rape victim's survival story educates many
  
• Professor succumbs to breast cancer
  
• Berticelli embodied ND spirit