Change the culture that fuels sexual violence on college campuses

250 people including college presidents, administrators, sexual violence victim advocates and students gathered at the University of Virginia this week for a dialogue on addressing sexual misconduct among colleges students.   UVa President Teresa Sullivan describe the purpose of the gathering was “… how we might together begin to change the culture that fuels sexual misconduct.”

The event included a panel of college presidents and Education Department’s assistant secretary for civil rights, Catherine Lhamon.  Media coverage included National Public Radio and Inside Higher Ed.

While much of the conversation focused on policies, investigation and adjudication of sexual misconduct cases, and services for survivors, prevention was a key topic examined. On the second day, I presented as part of a panel on prevention where I highlighted the role of primary prevention to change the culture in order ot prevent sexual violence.  I also stressed that colleges and universities much partner with others, including local rape crisis centers, in order to be success in implementing comprehensive prevention efforts.

Click here for the notes from my presentation.

Photo from Dan Addison / University of Virginia