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

  Though I haven't seen Sex Signals, I have heard divergent views and after 
reading some of the comments, I wonder whether the real point isn't very 
simple.
 
 Sexual negotiation is a reality -- and the line between coercion and 
persuasion is not an easy one to draw -- which is an argument in favor of 
teaching about language and signals and communication and alcohol, etc -- 
 
 But teaching these issues in a context that doesn't condemn the societal 
realities of power disparities can pose a problem in the sense that it 
normalizes or at least passively accepts a certain premise -- and some of the 
voices on this list prefer that all lessons confront these problems dead on 
-- including the most harmful idea which is that somehow "personal 
responsiblity" means a victim can be blameworthy when an opportunistic 
offender exploits her "failure" to behave more responsibly. This is indeed a 
harmful message - 
 
 On the other hand -- if data shows that students listen and hear better when 
the message is served up in a certain style -- it's hard to argue against the 
value of success - 
 
 Still -- I would prefer that when any type of sexual negotiation stuff is 
taught, a disclaimer be announced telling the students that lessons in human 
behavior are very different than lessons in law and that while interactions 
can have gray areas, the law is designed to promote personal autonomy and 
bodily integrity -- which means the harm-doer bears the burden of knowing -- 
and if they aren't sure, they assume the risk that they may be commiting a 
crime. This message is important to convey even as students are being taught 
other things about negotiating around sex and relationships. Their cultural 
experiences should be modified by legal realities.
 
 I teach two ideas --- KNOW OR IT'S NO (a clear bumper-sticker message of 
"buyer beware") and 
 SEX + BOOZE = RAPE -- (this is unpopular but it's true -- and students need 
to know that while sex with a buzz feels great and is usually not a crime -- 
it could be b/c the point is -- the victim is the sole authority over whether 
she consents or not -- and her consent is only valid if "freely given" -- 
which means people need to think about features of a situation that affect 
the definition of "freely given'.)
 
 There's so much going on in campus life -- and so much more to the issue 
than my black and white view of the law, respect for autonomy and management 
of sexual negotiations -- but -- if preservation of autonomy is the goal, (I 
understand that in some environments, this is NOT the goal, sadly) then 
students can and should hear phrases such as "fundamental rights", "bodily 
integrity" and "personal autonomy" as often as possible --
 
 Wendy Murphy
    
 -----Original Message-----
 From: 

 To: 

 Sent: Mon, 5 Mar 2007 12:05 PM
 Subject: SAPC Digest, Vol 698, Issue 1
 
  Send SAPC mailing list submissions to
    


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Today's Topics:

   1. Circle those wagons!
      (Ben Atherton-Zeman - Feminist,   Actor and Husband)
   2. Re: Circle those wagons! (Hannah Lindsay)
   3. I just wanted to piggy back on some of the comments about Sex
      Signals.  I recognize that some folks (Jodi Caldwell)
   4. First Six Weeks (Thompson, Stephen M.)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2007 16:48:14 -0500
From: "Ben Atherton-Zeman - Feminist,   Actor and Husband"
    
<>
Subject: Circle those wagons!
To: 
<>
Message-ID: 
<>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="iso-8859-1"

Thanks, Brett, for saying what was on my mind - twice!

I am a huge fan of Sex Signals, partly because they dare to use humor and 
theatre to try and end sexual violence.  I am a fan because I've seen Sex 
Signals get past male defensiveness.  I am a fan for many other reasons - one 
of 
them is that I, too, have seen Christian and Gail accept criticism and 
incorporate it into their performance - they did so years ago, when I worked 
at 
a University and we brought them. 

No, it's not the ideal program for some.  That's why we're a broad-based 
movement - if you don't like Sex Signals, you invite someone else - Brett 
Sokolow would be a good choice.  We're even to the point where don't just 
have a 
variety of speakers on these issues, but a variety of artists and performers 
- 
you can invite "You the Man," www.addverbproductions.com, Rivka Solomon's 
"That 
Takes Ovaries," www.thattakesovaries.org, or visual artist Marta Sanchez 
www.poetryandart.org.  

I agree that it's a huge step to call "Sex Signals"s hard work "dangerous."  
Unless you mean "dangerous to the patriarchy."  :)  

Do folks agree that we tend to circle the wagons and shoot inward?  If so, 
why 
do folks think we are sometimes harder on our own folks within the movement 
than 
we are on rapists and batterers?  I'm curious as to what others think about 
this.  

Until the violence stops, Ben.  

Ben Atherton-Zeman, Acton MA USA
Actor, Comedian, Feminist and Husband
Presenting a One-Man Play: "Voices of Men," www.voicesofmen.org (video clips 
take a second to load)
Booking information: 978-263-3254

If I ever say anything smart or insightful, it's probably something taught to 
me 
by a woman.  If I ever do anything that makes a difference, it's probably 
because I was inspired by a woman's example.  
March is National Women's History (some say Herstory) Month - What women in 
your 
life do you admire?
Celebrate the month in your community: www.nwhp.org. 
And don't forget International Women's Day is March 8th: 
http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/women/womday97.htm.  ;


------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Sun, 04 Mar 2007 20:25:41 -0500
From: Hannah Lindsay 
<>
Subject: Re: Circle those wagons!
To: 

Message-ID: 
<>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I am sorry for using the word "dangerous"... I did not mean for it to come 
across as attacking - and I explained this to Brett in an email prior to him 
sending out this email. I am not intending to "shoot inward". As I explained 
to 
Brett previously, I was attempting to spur discussion.

I don't agree that it's OK to blame rape on miscommunication, but at the same 
time I think that communication is important to teach - it's crucial for 
healthy 
relationships. 

I'm open to further discussion. I think we all need to learn from each other, 
and I've learned much from all of you.

Hannah Lindsay

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ben Atherton-Zeman - Feminist,   Actor and Husband" 
<>
Date: Sunday, March 4, 2007 4:48 pm
Subject: Circle those wagons!

> Thanks, Brett, for saying what was on my mind - twice!
> 
> I am a huge fan of Sex Signals, partly because they dare to use 
> humor and theatre to try and end sexual violence.  I am a fan 
> because I've seen Sex Signals get past male defensiveness.  I am a 
> fan for many other reasons - one of them is that I, too, have seen 
> Christian and Gail accept criticism and incorporate it into their 
> performance - they did so years ago, when I worked at a University 
> and we brought them. 
> 
> No, it's not the ideal program for some.  That's why we're a broad-
> based movement - if you don't like Sex Signals, you invite someone 
> else - Brett Sokolow would be a good choice.  We're even to the 
> point where don't just have a variety of speakers on these issues, 
> but a variety of artists and performers - you can invite "You the 
> Man," www.addverbproductions.com, Rivka Solomon's "That Takes 
> Ovaries," www.thattakesovaries.org, or visual artist Marta Sanchez 
> www.poetryandart.org.  
> 
> I agree that it's a huge step to call "Sex Signals"s hard work 
> "dangerous."  Unless you mean "dangerous to the patriarchy."  :)  
> 
> Do folks agree that we tend to circle the wagons and shoot inward? 
> If so, why do folks think we are sometimes harder on our own 
> folks within the movement than we are on rapists and batterers?  
> I'm curious as to what others think about this.  
> 
> Until the violence stops, Ben.  
> 
> Ben Atherton-Zeman, Acton MA USA
> Actor, Comedian, Feminist and Husband
> Presenting a One-Man Play: "Voices of Men," www.voicesofmen.org 
> (video clips take a second to load)
> Booking information: 978-263-3254
> 
> If I ever say anything smart or insightful, it's probably 
> something taught to me by a woman.  If I ever do anything that 
> makes a difference, it's probably because I was inspired by a 
> woman's example.  
> March is National Women's History (some say Herstory) Month - What 
> women in your life do you admire?
> Celebrate the month in your community: www.nwhp.org. 
> And don't forget International Women's Day is March 8th: 
> http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/women/womday97.htm.  ;
> _______________________________________________
> SAPC mailing list
> 
> https://list.mail.virginia.edu/mailman/listinfo/sapc
> 


------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Mon, 05 Mar 2007 09:13:10 -0500
From: "Jodi Caldwell" 
<>
Subject: I just wanted to piggy back on some of the comments about Sex
    Signals.  I recognize that some folks
To: "Hannah Lindsay" 
<>,<>
Message-ID: 
<>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I just wanted to piggy back on some of the comments about Sex Signals.  I 
recognize that some folks find the language of the program to "offend" some 
students.  However, what I have found is that it seems to be the language 
that 
helps the students to connect with the program and feel as though it is 
relevant 
to them!  As far as I can tell, aside from John Foubert's One in Four 
program, 
Sex Signals has been one of the most research driven programs out there.  
Gail & 
Christian's extensive research into college students' perceptions of rape, 
and 
the types of information they respond to, etc led to the development and 
writing 
of the program.  Certainly, SEX SIGNALS is not a comprehensive, academic look 
at 
the realities of sexual assault.  But frankly, our freshman students are 
turned 
off by those types of presentations.  At Georgia Southern, we have been 
bringing 
in Sex Signals for 6 years now.  They present multiple presentations every 
fall 
and the program is a mandated componen
 t to our University Orientation course.  Perhaps what needs to be considered 
is 
the goal one is trying to accomplish with any given programming.  During the 
first few weeks of the fall semester, we are trying to convey to students, 
who 
despite their worldliness are often naive about date rape - the crucial facts 
that they need to reduce their risk.  Bottom line is - SEX SIGNALS does this. 
 I 
know it does this because we do immediate post show surveys of all audiences 
(up 
to 3,000 students each year) and 2 week follow-up surveys to assess what 
message 
has stuck with the students.  I will attach the responses from the FALL 2006 
show here.  The students tell me that they learn 1) that the majority of 
rapes 
are perpetrated by a friend/person known to the victim, 2) The absence of a 
"NO" 
does not mean "yes" - consensual sex is just that, consensual, 3) alcohol and 
sex do not mix!  They remember info about looking out for themselves and 
friends 
when going out, and that unfortunate
 ly, that predators are everywhere.  If I could get every student to 
internalize 
even those few facts, I am THRILLED!  We then follow up with more 
"intellectual" 
presentations on sexual assault throughout the year.  However, again, my 
research shows that they are more open to subsequent discussions, having been 
introduced to the topic in a non-blaming, digestible format.  I think it is 
important to remember that no one program can reach all audiences and 
accomplish 
all things.  There are fabulous programs out there that are more 
"informational" 
in nature, more "academic" in content, etc.  This is a program that is 
targeted 
toward a specific audience - and 6 years worth of data that I have collected 
suggests that it is hitting that nail on the head. I should also note, that 
despite the fact that it uses up a large part of their yearly budget, this 
program is 100% funded by our student government.  Each year, they have voted 
to 
bring the show back, because they feel that it is 
 important for new students to see.  Finally, we now have a "culture" of Sex 
Signals on campus.  Our peer advocates almost universally join the peer 
education program stating that seeing "sex signals" encouraged them to join 
efforts toward education.
 
I would be happy to share any other data I have collected if anyone is 
interested.
 
Thanks for the open discussion on this topic.
 
Jodi
 
 
Jodi K. Caldwell, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Assistant Director for Training
Chair, Sexual Assault Response Team
Georgia Southern University
P. O. Box 8011
Statesboro, GA 30460
(912) 681-5541
(912) 681-0834 (fax)

 
 
Visit our exciting web sites!
http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/counseling/ ;
 
http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/outreach/sart ;

>>> Hannah Lindsay 
>>> <>
>>>  3/4/2007 8:25 PM >>>
I am sorry for using the word "dangerous"... I did not mean for it to come 
across as attacking - and I explained this to Brett in an email prior to him 
sending out this email. I am not intending to "shoot inward". As I explained 
to 
Brett previously, I was attempting to spur discussion.

I don't agree that it's OK to blame rape on miscommunication, but at the same 
time I think that communication is important to teach - it's crucial for 
healthy 
relationships. 

I'm open to further discussion. I think we all need to learn from each other, 
and I've learned much from all of you.

Hannah Lindsay

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ben Atherton-Zeman - Feminist,Actor and Husband" 
<>
Date: Sunday, March 4, 2007 4:48 pm
Subject: Circle those wagons!

> Thanks, Brett, for saying what was on my mind - twice!
> 
> I am a huge fan of Sex Signals, partly because they dare to use 
> humor and theatre to try and end sexual violence.  I am a fan 
> because I've seen Sex Signals get past male defensiveness.  I am a 
> fan for many other reasons - one of them is that I, too, have seen 
> Christian and Gail accept criticism and incorporate it into their 
> performance - they did so years ago, when I worked at a University 
> and we brought them. 
> 
> No, it's not the ideal program for some.  That's why we're a broad-
> based movement - if you don't like Sex Signals, you invite someone 
> else - Brett Sokolow would be a good choice.  We're even to the 
> point where don't just have a variety of speakers on these issues, 
> but a variety of artists and performers - you can invite "You the 
> Man," www.addverbproductions.com, Rivka Solomon's "That Takes 
> Ovaries," www.thattakesovaries.org, or visual artist Marta Sanchez 
> www.poetryandart.org.  
> 
> I agree that it's a huge step to call "Sex Signals"s hard work 
> "dangerous."  Unless you mean "dangerous to the patriarchy."  :)  
> 
> Do folks agree that we tend to circle the wagons and shoot inward? 
> If so, why do folks think we are sometimes harder on our own 
> folks within the movement than we are on rapists and batterers?  
> I'm curious as to what others think about this.  
> 
> Until the violence stops, Ben.  
> 
> Ben Atherton-Zeman, Acton MA USA
> Actor, Comedian, Feminist and Husband
> Presenting a One-Man Play: "Voices of Men," www.voicesofmen.org 
> (video clips take a second to load)
> Booking information: 978-263-3254
> 
> If I ever say anything smart or insightful, it's probably 
> something taught to me by a woman.  If I ever do anything that 
> makes a difference, it's probably because I was inspired by a 
> woman's example.  
> March is National Women's History (some say Herstory) Month - What 
> women in your life do you admire?
> Celebrate the month in your community: www.nwhp.org. 
> And don't forget International Women's Day is March 8th: 
> http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/women/womday97.htm.  ;
> _______________________________________________
> SAPC mailing list
> 
>  
> https://list.mail.virginia.edu/mailman/listinfo/sapc ;
> 
_______________________________________________
SAPC mailing list

 
https://list.mail.virginia.edu/mailman/listinfo/sapc ;


------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2007 11:19:27 -0500
From: "Thompson, Stephen M." 
<>
Subject: First Six Weeks
To: 
<>
Message-ID:
    
<>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="us-ascii"

Hi

Here at Central Michigan University we have been keeping records of the
advocate contacts since SAPA started in 1997.  The last two years alone
our numbers show that the majority of assaults occur to first year
students (2005-06, 38 assaults, 23 were first year student. 2006-07 108
assaults, 62 were first year)and of those approximately 50% are within
the first eight weeks of their college experience.  This certainly fits
into the "Nice Guy" profile.  He is generally two or more years older,
and his targets do not have a solid support system.  Hope this helps.

Steve 

Stephen M. Thompson
Sexual Aggression Services Coordinator
Central Michigan University
SAC 195
Mt. Pleasant, MI. 48859
Phone: 989-774-6677
Web:  www.stephenmthompson.com
Web:  www.sapa.cmich.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: 

[mailto:]
 On Behalf Of

Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 12:07 PM
To: 

Subject: SAPC Digest, Vol 694, Issue 1

Send SAPC mailing list submissions to
    


To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
    https://list.mail.virginia.edu/mailman/listinfo/sapc
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
    


You can reach the person managing the list at
    


When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of SAPC digest..."


Today's Topics:

   1. First six weeks (Juliette Grimmett)
   2. RE: First six weeks (Molly Dragiewicz)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:08:10 -0500
From: Juliette Grimmett 
<>
Subject: First six weeks
To: 

Message-ID: 
<>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=ISO-8859-1; format="flowed"

hey everyone-

I have consistently heard back and forth about whether or not this stat 
is actually true-more likely to be raped in first six weeks of school.  
Is it?  Is there a source?  I am not so sure, personally.

Thank you!

Juliette
-- 
"Feminism is the radical notion that women are people"

Break the Silence, End Sexual Violence

Juliette Grimmett
Rape Prevention Education Coordinator
North Carolina State University
3120 Talley Student Center
Campus BOX 7306
Raleigh, NC 27695
Office: (919) 513-3232
Fax: (919) 515-1066
e-mail: 

http://www.ncsu.edu/womens_center

Campaign for a Safer Carolina
MPH Candidate 2007
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill








------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 08:43:13 -0500
From: "Molly Dragiewicz" 
<>
Subject: RE: First six weeks
To: "Juliette Grimmett" 
<>,
    
<>
Message-ID:
    
<>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="us-ascii"

Hi Juliette,
I checked this out and from what I was able to find, no source cited
about this this actually supports this. 
People cite Fisher, B., Cullen, C., & Turner, M. (2000). The sexual
victimization of college women.Washington, DC:
U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, Bureau of
Justice Statistics. But that study doesn't support a red zone.

Molly Dragiewicz
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Criminology, Justice, and Policy Studies
University of Ontario Institute of Technology


-----Original Message-----
From: 

[mailto:]
 On Behalf Of Juliette
Grimmett
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 2:08 PM
To: 

Subject: First six weeks

hey everyone-

I have consistently heard back and forth about whether or not this stat 
is actually true-more likely to be raped in first six weeks of school.  
Is it?  Is there a source?  I am not so sure, personally.

Thank you!

Juliette
-- 
"Feminism is the radical notion that women are people"

Break the Silence, End Sexual Violence

Juliette Grimmett
Rape Prevention Education Coordinator
North Carolina State University
3120 Talley Student Center
Campus BOX 7306
Raleigh, NC 27695
Office: (919) 513-3232
Fax: (919) 515-1066
e-mail: 

http://www.ncsu.edu/womens_center

Campaign for a Safer Carolina
MPH Candidate 2007
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill






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------------------------------

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SAPC mailing list

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End of SAPC Digest, Vol 694, Issue 1
************************************


------------------------------

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SAPC mailing list

https://list.mail.virginia.edu/mailman/listinfo/sapc


End of SAPC Digest, Vol 698, Issue 1
************************************
   
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