Amid Madison hazing investigation, medical expert explains why many cases go unreported
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The two people arrested in the Madison hazing investigation were booked this week and then released. They have not yet been charged.
On Wednesday night, September 23, Madison police found about 30 young men, most of them just 18-years-old, covered in food and other material.
Two 20-year-olds were arrested for hazing and disorderly conduct.
It's now shining new light on dangers universities have been trying to stop for years.
We spoke with a doctor who said hazing cases are under-reported. She likened them to interpersonal or domestic violence cases in that victims can often be afraid to come forward.
She's studied how to notice indicators of physical and psychological damage that might be a sign of a larger issue.
Dr. Alisa Hayes is an associate professor of emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She told us, "We think there's a lot more hazing going on than we recognize."
Hayes cites survey data that says a majority of college students have seen or experienced hazing. That's despite strict university policies and state laws against it.
Hayes' work is to help medical professionals notice warning signs. "You have to really ask in order to get the information," she said, "because often people won't come forward and tell you, 'this injury or I'm here because I'm a victim of hazing.'"
Her research found more than 92% of victims were male, proximity to college campuses or military bases is important, and most incidents happen in the beginning of school semesters.
The arrests in Madison come during National Hazing Prevention week, where stakeholders make "a concerted effort to raise awareness and increase education about hazing."
On Thursday, Madison police Capt. Kipp Hartman said, "Several of these men had visible injuries consistent with being physically assaulted."
But Hayes says that's not the only risk. "The psychological trauma associated with hazing is often just as serious, if not more serious."
Add in forced alcohol or drug use, she says, and it's a dangerous combination that can worsen any physical trauma.
UW-Madison's website says, "Hazing is prohibited by both state law and university policy."
UW-Milwaukee's website says, "UWM does not tolerate hazing in any form."
And each branch in the system has an online reporting tool.
Hartman said, "Our concern is when things are going too far and people's either life and or physical harm is at stake."
At the time, the executive president of the Committee on Student Organizations said, “The repeated offenses and multiple violations by Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity are inexcusable and inappropriate."
Since then, the chapter has been operating without university accreditation or support.
The Alpha Epsilon Pi national office told us in a statement, "Hazing is a betrayal of everything our fraternity stands for. There is no place for it in AEPi. No exceptions. No excuses."
The statement added, "We will cooperate fully with the authorities investigating this matter. Any member found responsible for criminal conduct in this matter will be expelled from AEPi, and we will support prosecution to the fullest extent of the law."
The University of Virginia's Gordie Center to end hazing and substance misuse among college and high school students has online memorials for many of them.