The recent nationwide attention to sexual assault will, we hope, create more awareness and positive attention on response to and prevention of sexual violence on college campuses. As colleges and universities evaluate their existing sexual and interpersonal violence policies and practices or as they are creating new ones, we offer a few framing thoughts from our own experiences in gender-based violence response and prevention work. Elon University also used our health promotion work in gender-based violence prevention to craft policies and practices to address other forms of identity-based bias and discrimination on our campus.
Ensure robust means for reporting confidentially
A person targeted by sexual violence or other acts of violence (including discrimination) needs places to talk through options and make decisions about next steps. If you can afford it, invest in a violence responder whose main job is responding to student and colleague concerns around bias, harassment and sexual violence. Counseling and clergy acting in that capacity also provide confidential sources, but for some students or colleagues these will not be comfortable avenues for seeking support and resources.
Create cross-departmental collaboration
