SEXUAL ASSAULT AND RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE

Why is this a college issue? According to Title IX: A school has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively. If a school knows or reasonably should know about sexual harassment or sexual violence that creates a hostile environment, the school must take immediate action to eliminate the sexual harassment or sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.

What does it have to do with Title IX? US Dept. of Ed, Office of Civil Rights: No person in the United States shall on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance….sexual harassment can constitute discrimination prohibited by Title IX.

What is the role of college athletics? “Athletics has a unique platform on most campuses from which is can visibly and vocally support its colleagues across campus who are working to make the campus safer for all students.” –NCAA’s Addressing Sexual Assault and Interpersonal Violence: Athletics’ Role in Support of Healthy and Safe Campuses

Which behaviors are prohibited? Unwanted Touching Intimate Partner Abuse or Violence Domestic Violence Dating Violence Sexual Assault Sexual Exploitation Stalking Gender-based Harassment Retaliation

How often does this happen? In the last 12 months, were you: -Sexually touched without consent8.7% -A victim of stalking5.5% -In an intimate relationship that was Emotionally abusive8.6% Physically abusive1.9% Sexually abusive1.9% -Penetration (oral, anal, vaginal) was attempted or completed without consent5.2% (ACHA-NCHA-II, Spring 2015, n = 74,438)

How often does this happen? Since enrolled in the college, 9.8% of the student population who had been in a partnered relationship reported experiencing intimate partner violence. Overall, 4.2% of students reported that they had been the victims of stalking since first enrolling at the college or university. (American Association of Universities, Spring 2015)

Reporting Sexual assault is one of the most unreported types of crime. Why do you think this might be?

How to help someone who discloses an issue related to sexual misconduct. Listen. Let the person name their own experience. Ask if the person feeling safe and if they need medical care. Offer to contact a confidential resource. Contact your Title IX Coordinator.

Step Up! Notice the event Interpret it as a problem* Assume responsibility Know what to do Step UP! -- Do something

Strategies Direct Indirect “Stealth” In a group Using resources In the moment vs. the next day

Consent: Key components Mutual Enthusiastic Freely given Ongoing, each step of the way Verbal? Role of alcohol? Other incapacitation (e.g. sleeping, passed out)

Scenario You are at a campus event and the person next to you makes a sexist joke. You look at the other people around you, but no one says anything. What do you do?

Scenario You are hanging out with friends outside of a party. A woman walks by in a short skirt and a sheer shirt. One of the people hanging out with you makes a comment about how “she’s definitely asking for it.” What do you do?

Scenario You’re at a dance party and someone comes up behind one of your friends and starts grinding on them. You are unsure how your friend feels about this. What do you do?

Think – Pair – Share What do you know about the relationship between alcohol and sexual assault? Between 40-75% of sexual assaults on college campuses involve alcohol use by victim, perpetrator or both

Scenario You are at a party. You see someone you know talking to someone who seems so drunk that they are having trouble standing. The person you know puts their arm around the other person and starts to take them upstairs.

In the previous scenario, what would you want someone to do for you? A. Nothing– its none of their business B. High five me! C. Slip a condom in my pocket D. Text me to see if I know what I’m doing E. Check in with me in person F. Something else

Who is most at risk? A.The drunk person B.The person who is trying to get them upstairs C.The person who bought the alcohol D.You, if you get involved

Scenario You are at Sunday brunch and your friends are talking about what happened Saturday night. One of your friends who left with someone they have had a crush on is being pressured to share details.

Scenario You are returning home to your room and in the room next door, you can hear a couple loudly arguing. The language grows increasingly abusive. What do you do?

Scenario One of your teammates seems to never take part in team activities outside of practice– team dinners, social events, event community service. When you check in with your teammate, they say that their partner already thinks they spend too much time with the team, and prefers they have dinner with just the two of them everyday. What do you do?

Scenario You are going out with one of your friends and they tell you they don’t want to hook up with anyone tonight. About an hour into your night, your friend has been dancing really close with someone and they start heading to the door getting ready to leave together. What do you do?

Campus and Local Resources

National Resources See Step UP! Website

Notice the event– pay attention Interpret as a problem– learn more Assume responsibility– get involved Know what to do– learn more Do something—Step Up! Stand up if you will: