The National Campus Sexual Assault Attitudes and Behaviors Research Project collected information on the types of prevention programming schools are conducting, as well as their effectiveness, reach, and possible gaps by using an exploratory qualitative method to better understand the experiences, attitudes, and behaviors of young college men. A benefit of qualitative research is its ability to explain behavior that cannot be easily quantified by allowing participants to detail their experiences and feelings.
Continue ReadingThere is an urgent need in higher education to research prevention education programming that educates and empowers young men to be a part of the solution to sexual violence on college campuses. It’s On Us partnered with HauckEye to conduct a first-of-its-kind qualitative study exploring the attitudes and perceptions of male-identiyfing students and their likelihood to get involved in the prevention of gender-based violence on campus.
The Research Project collected information on the types of prevention programming schools are conducting, as well as their effectiveness, reach, and possible gaps by using an exploratory qualitative method in order to better understand the experiences, attitudes, and behaviors of young college men. This research method was chosen for its ability to explain behavior that cannot be easily quantified by allowing participants to detail their experiences and feelings.
Continue ReadingIf you are in immediate danger, CALL 911 Safety Alert: Please try to use a safe computer that someone abusive does not have direct access to, or even remote (hacking) access to, such as a computer in a public library, at a trusted friend’s house, or at an Internet Cafe. Also, traditional “corded” phones are more private than cellular phones or cordless phones. Statistically, one in three girls and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted by the time they reach the age of 18. If someone you know tells you that they have been a victim of sexual assault, it is important that they are listened to and believed. Offering to help them find a safe, confidential counselor who can give them information and options can be the first step to healing. If you are being abused, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) or visit www.ndvh.org If you are a teen being abused call the National Teen Dating Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or visit www.loveisrespect.org If you have been raped or experienced sexual violence, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit www.rainn.org PHC Resources We provide a number of resources available to victims of sexual assault. Our Minor Consent Services protects a […]
Whether you work in the field of sexual violence prevention or are just interested in creating healthier communities, here are some key resources that may be helpful. What is Prevention? At its core, prevention is about stopping sexual violence before it even has a chance to happen. These resources can help you become more familiar with prevention and key prevention theories. Primary Prevention Primer (NSVRC, 2016) This short e-learning course introduces users to key prevention theories and contains a quiz to test knowledge. Perfect Shade of Change (NSVRC, 2012) Resources for sexual violence preventionists working to create safe and healthy communities. Sexual Violence Prevention: Beginning the Dialogue (CDC, 2004) This resource discusses sexual violence as a serious public health problem with extensive short- and long-term health consequences. Tools for Change: Primary Prevention v. Awareness/Outreach v. Risk Reduction (TAASA) This resource highlights the differences between prevention, awareness, and risk reduction. Prevention Recipe Card (VA Action Alliance) This resource provides a “recipe” for prevention. Anti-Oppression Sexual violence does not happen in a vacuum. While committing violence is an individual choice, every person is shaped by the society we live in, which influences our attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors. Oppression, including racism, sexism, ageism, and classism (among others) […]
The Toolkit for Preventing Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking in the Community College Context is designed to increase the capacity of community colleges to prevent interpersonal violence among students. It is organized in nine steps: Reflect on Past Efforts Identifying Your Community Identify and Engage Stakeholders Identify Needs and Assets Select Programs Tailor Programs Plan Your Evaluation Implement Programs Evaluate Progress and Share Results The tools included were created based on findings from an accompanying literature review, which includes results from key informant interviews, surveys, and focus groups; peer-reviewed literature; and best practices for preventing interpersonal violence within the community college context. Download Toolkit Download Literature Review
The Toolkit for Preventing Interpersonal Violence among Students Studying Abroad is designed to increase the capacity of colleges to prevent interpersonal violence among students who participate in study abroad programs.
Continue ReadingThe Toolkit for Preventing Retaliation After Sexual Assault within the College Context is designed to increase the capacity of colleges to prevent students from experiencing retaliation related to sexual assault reports.
Teen dating violence affects millions of young people in this country every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), teen dating violence can include physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. This form of intimate partner violence can be perpetrated in person, by technology, or online. The pernicious effects of dating violence can have a lifelong impact on the victim’s health, self-esteem, and ability to form healthy relationships. College administrators and staff have to understand some victims of teen dating violence may bring the trauma of the experience with them to college. Attitudes on appropriate dating and interpersonal relationships are formed early. A 2009 study of sixth graders found that 25 percent believed it was acceptable for a boyfriend to hit his girlfriend. This sobering statistic suggests we must change the narrative and correct this dangerous and destructive way of thinking before young people become hard-wired to believe teen dating violence is acceptable. There are countless studies on the adolescent brain and how young people process information and social dynamics. According to Liz Claiborne, Inc.’s College Dating Violence and Abuse Poll (2011), 70 percent of respondents who experienced teen dating violence viewed their relationships as healthy when […]
From September 15 to October 15, communities and campuses around the country celebrate culture and history of Hispanic people are celebrated and honored. September is also Campus Safety Month for colleges and universities, making it a perfect time to shed light on the importance of campuses providing culturally competent resources and support to Latinx and Hispanic students. Creating a safe campus starts with affirming every students’ cultures and lived experience, and that starts with understanding what certain terms we use mean—and what terms students prefer. Though Latinx and Hispanic are often used interchangeably, “Hispanic” broadly refers to people of Spanish-speaking descent, while “Latino/a” (or the more gender-neutral term “Latinx”) refers to residents of the U.S. who trace their ancestry to Latin America. The Impact of Gender Roles Understanding these and other cultural touchstones of Hispanic, Latino, and other communities, campuses can provide effective and culturally appropriate support and resources for Hispanic survivors. A student’s country of origin and generation may have a significant influence on how they respond after experiencing dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Traditional gender roles, machismo, and marianismo, strong family values called familismo, fear of shame, and law enforcement all play significant roles when […]
Ensuring a safe return to campus for students, faculty, and staff has taken on a new meaning and challenges for college campuses as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers. Campus leaders must balance COVID-19 safety protocols with a pressing need to improve student safety in other areas, including dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Recent research suggests the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent stay-at-home orders significantly weakened financial and social support systems. These stay-at-home orders were particularly devastating for those who experience domestic violence and intimate partner violence at home, as one study found that of those also experiencing violence at home before the onset of the pandemic, nearly 23 percent reported that the violence had worsened. Unemployment and isolation from others have left survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence susceptible to increased violence in the home. The reopening of college campuses provides an opportunity for those individuals experiencing violence at home to escape from their abusers and for campus staff to provide resources for them to escape from abuse permanently. The reopening of campus is an opportunity to provide support for victims of violence, providing a haven from their abusers, as women 18-24 and 25-34 have the highest […]