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

["Guttentag, Karen S." <>]

Hi All,

 

You might find Professor Matthew Kimble’s article on increased risk of sexual violence for students studying abroad helpful: http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/2012-26189-001/.

 

One of the points we’ve made in similar conversations is that it may be helpful to acknowledge with students that in some ways, the message of risk reduction may feel as though it is in conflict with some of the conscious or unconscious philosophy they are bringing to their study abroad experience, which may include pushing themselves to actually take risks and be open to those serendipitous travel experiences that can sometimes be so magical. This may also intersect with their thoughts/fears about their own racism, classis or xenophobia, which they may be trying to challenge during their study abroad experience--as in, how do I navigate a situation when I want to be open to the kindness of strangers, and the relationships and insights into a host culture that can happen through random connections, and not put myself at risk doing so? And if I make a “risk reduction” decision not to continue down a path of connection with someone I don’t know, what if my assessment of risk in this case is rooted in my own racism or classism, which I’m actively trying to combat through this experience?  

 

Introducing some of these complicated issues will not necessarily make their paths clearer, but might at least name some predictable barriers to risk management that students may struggle with abroad.

 

Best wishes,

 

Karen S. Guttentag

Associate Dean for Judicial Affairs and Student Life

Middlebury College

Middlebury, VT 05753

phone) 802-443-2024

fax) 802-443-2525

 

 

 

 

From: Lisa Landreman [mailto:]
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2014 11:15 AM
To: April P Baer
Cc:
Subject: Re: Discussing Sexual Violence with Students Studying Abroad

 

I get a very brief (15 minutes or so) as part of a 3 hr. orientation.I introduce definitions of assault, harassment and microagressions, checking assumptions, exploring potential cultural differences in advance, risk reduction strategies, common responses to violence, support resources while abroad and when they return. The receive handouts, links to websites and an invitation to talk 1-1 if they would like.

 

On Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 9:37 AM, April P Baer <> wrote:

Hello colleagues –

 

Our office has been successful in securing time to speak with students seeking to study abroad regarding sexual violence within an international environment.  As I have been researching this topic, I was curious to know if any other campuses facilitate a similar discussion and, if so, what topics are covered or what general questions do you receive from your students?

 

Thank you, in advance, for any assistance you can provide J

 

Best,

 

April Paul Baer, MA, CWP

Director of Student Wellness

Office of Student and Educational Services

Frostburg State University

 

116 Hitchins Administration Building

301.687.3035 |

 

 

 

--

Lisa Landreman, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Students
Macalester College
651-696-6220