More than 600 University of New Hampshire community members participated in SHARPP’s annual antiviolence rally and walk in April.
There were 30 Title IX complaints in 2013 against U.S. colleges concerning their mishandling of sexual assault cases and 55 in the first half of 2014. With the additional coverage when President Obama established the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault this past January, the issue of sexual assault already has seen an unprecedented amount of attention this year.
“I’ve seen so many students attach their name to a case of sexual violence, whereas in the past students would maybe identify as Jane Doe,” says Alison Kiss, executive director for The Clery Center for Security on Campus. “Students are saying, ‘I really want to see changes on my campus for other students and change across the country.’
“The White House is paying attention to students and consulting with advocates and professionals in higher education across the country,” Kiss continues. “Its first report really provided some concrete examples of things that schools can do to identify what they have now and how to change the culture and climate on campus.”
Released in late April, the report, titled “Not Alone,” recommends steps to improve the federal government’s existing efforts and policies going forward; best practices for preventing sexual assault; and that colleges implement campus climate surveys on the issue. It also explains how to respond effectively when a victim comes forward.
“What I think the task force adds to the conversation is that it provides more guidance and provides more resources to campuses,” says Holly Rider-Milkovich, director of the University of Michigan’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center. “We have heard from this administration that enforcement of the laws that currently exist is a priority. [So I think the task force] has refocused institutions or has led institutions for the first time to address this issue in a comprehensive fashion.”
Partnering with universities
The report notes that three universities have committed to developing research projects that will help find new solutions in addressing campus sexual assault. Among the universities cited is the University of New Hampshire’s Prevention Innovations, which will design and evaluate a training program for incoming students on sexual assault policies and expectations for conduct.
