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

["Garrett, Robin" <>]

One aspect we include is the concept of reducing one's risk or vulnerability 
related to the intent of vicious, predatory or opportunistic individuals, 
using adjectives of that sort very purposefully.  I think it's important to 
use language that makes it clear whose behavior is unwise, naïve, 
shortsighted and so on and whose is plain wrong (be it legally, ethically or 
morally). I find students respond well to this. 

One message that goes out to our students is on small, business card size 
handouts that say on one side:
If a woman is drunk, she may 
-feel like she's having a great time
-get sick and feel miserable
-be at great risk for sexual assault
Be smart! Be safe! If you do get drunk, stick with your friends!

And the other side says (in a different color ink):
If a woman is drunk, a man has three choices.
He can 
-take care of her
-ignore her
- rape her.
What kind of man would rape a woman?
What kind of man are you?

Feminism is the radical notion that women are people.
Robin Garrett,
Women's Center Director 
West Chester University
West Chester PA 19383
610-436-2122

There is no way to peace.  Peace is the way.