Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

I don't think any of us would question that education is essential, or
that freshmen should receive education about sexual assault.  In fact, I'm
pretty sure all of us wish there was much more education!  I think the
reason this group cares whether rape is more common during the first
semester is because they want to make their prevention programs as
effective as possible.  If it's true that freshmen women are behaving in
some way that makes them more vulnerable to sexual assault, prevention
programs would need to address this (and find a way to do it without
victim blaming).  If it is not true, and freshman women are not assaulted
more often, then repeating the stat is dangerous to older students because
it gives them a false sense of security.  More importantly, I worry that
it can encourage focus on victim behavior rather than perpetrator
attitudes and actions, which are really what needs to change.

Until someone does the study that settles the question, I think we could
all agree that prevention programs, perfect or not, should take place
early and often.

Ashley Burczak
SAFER


> The overall issue is education.  The earlier -- the better.  Getting K-12
> to
> appropriately and openly discuss sexual assault and healthy relationships
> is
> improving.  Nevertheless, we still have a long way to go.  For this
> reason,
> we need to be diligent about getting these important messages to college
> students as soon as possible.  The sooner we can reveal how this issue
> effects each student on a personal basis, the sooner the student can
> create
> a stronger awareness in their own life and in the lives of others.
> Orientation is a great place to start the conversation and education.  The
> key is to follow that first educational moment with many more programs
> throughout each year.  In addition, provide varied educational
> programming.
>
> Presenters on this issue can tell you how often students say, "I've heard
> rape and sexual assault programs before, but I never realized . . ."  The
> more chances we provide for learning, the greater the chances are that
> positive change will take place.  Education is a life-long journey!!
>
> Mike Domitrz  
> 
> -- "Can I Kiss You?  Dating, Communication, Respect & Sexual Assault
> Awareness" for Students & Educators
> -- Watch Video Online at www.domitrz.com
> -- Toll-Free: (800) 329-9390
> -- Website:  www.domitrz.com
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "S. Daniel Carter" 
> <>
> To: 
> <>
> Cc: "Rus Funk" 
> <>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 2:28 PM
> Subject: Re: SAPC Digest, Vol 240, Issue 1
>
>
>> One thing I've noticed is that in the fall the level of personal
> connection
>> between the acquaintances involved in sexual assaults is lower, often
> having
>> only met recently. Is it possible that this is a factor in their being
>> willing to come forward?
>>
>> ********************************
>> S. Daniel Carter
>> Senior Vice President
>> Security On Campus, Inc.
>> http://www.securityoncampus.org/
>> e-mail:
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> SAPC mailing list
>> 
>> https://list.mail.Virginia.EDU/mailman/listinfo/sapc
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> SAPC mailing list
> 
> https://list.mail.Virginia.EDU/mailman/listinfo/sapc
>


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I think, as professionals in this area, we have definitely identified an
issue that requires more research. For the past few days I have been looking
for research based information to support the idea that first year women are
most at risk for sexual assault, and I have found very little. Although
research has shown that females between the ages of 16-19 (the age group
that many first and second year students fall into) are more at high risk to
experience sexual assault than older females, I'm having a hard time finding
research to support the idea that first year female college students are at
a great risk than older female students.

I think the research presented by Steve Thompson has been misinterpreted by
some posters on this list. I had the pleasure of being a member of the peer
advocate group advised by Mr. Thompson, and I think I can clear up the
misconception. Although 58% of the contacts were first year students when
they were victimized, many did not contact the peer advocates immediately
after the assault. In fact, many students who were assaulted during the
first few months of their freshmen year did not contact the peer advocates
until at least the second semester, and oftentimes later. So, the idea that
freshmen reported to the advocates because they were new to the university
and weren't disillusioned yet doesn't apply to many of the contacts
represented by these numbers. In this context, these numbers suggest that
first year female students, in fact, are victimized more often than older
females students at that particular institution.

Anecdotal evidence, limited research, and knowledge of the power and control
dynamics of sexual assault suggests that the first year females are the most
vulnerable group on campus with respect to being targeted by sexual
predators. That being said, I think this discussion points out a definite
need for more research on this topic. I believe it is our responsibility to
evaluate the needs of our individual institutions, collaborate on research
and share our results, and through this research, ensure we are focusing our
efforts in the right places.

Steve McAllister
Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator
Lehigh University Women's Center
UC Room C201A, 29 Trembley Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18015
phone: 610.758.5808