The use of drugs and alcohol by rape and sexual assault victims is part of a second study being compiled that takes a look at Utah women and their lifetime experience with rape and sexual assault. The survey of more than 1,200 women will look at the physical and psychological damage such attacks have on women, Haddon said.

"It's actually incredibly high in number. Statistics show that 1 in 5 women in Utah will be raped in their lifetime," Haddon said.

The second study surveying Utah women on sexual assault and rape is expected to be released within two months.

"We're hoping that by making this information available to the community that it will bring awareness about the problem," said Ned Searle, director of the Office on Violence Against Women and Families.

He called rape and sexual assault one of Utah's greatest secrets. "It's the secrecy and the silence that really perpetuate this. But us remaining silent, in essence, we've condoned it," Searle said.

The study did note that the opening of rape crisis centers in Utah around 1988 could have led to the increase in reports of such incidents. However, it does not completely explain the significant rise in cases.

Experts hope the study will be used by lawmakers and community leaders to educate students and adults about prevention.

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