Frontline, Summer 2014 Issue: Sexual Assault on Campus

Aug 15th, 2014

August 15, 2014

1 in 5 women has been sexually assaulted while in college.

This is the startling fact the White House Council on Women and Girls reported in their report, Rape and Sexual Assault:  A Renewed Call to Action.  To increase the nation’s response to this sexual assault, the administration created a Task Force to Protect Students From Sexual Assault, which issued its first report, Not Alone in April.  This report provides important guidance about responding to sexual assault on campuses and has renewed energy for addressing the issue.

Key to an effective response is this mandate:  “Schools should identify trained, confidential victim advocates who can provide emergency and ongoing support.”  Not Alone (2014), p. 11.  Maryland’s 17 rape crisis centers provide this resource.  Since the new reports, our local programs, MCASA, and the Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI) have all seen an increase in requests for services, training, and technical assistance.  This issue of Frontline provides information about MCASA and SALI’s work with college campuses, the special issues faced by sports teams and fraternities addressing sexual assault prevention, engaging men in prevention, and the wide array of prevention resources available.
 

Our legislative update is also included.  Most laws will go into effect this fall on October 1st.  This session saw major improvements to statutes affecting survivors of sexual violence, including enacting a prohibition on rape by proxy, changing the standard of proof in peace orders and protective orders, and creating a planning committee to increase access to sexual assault forensic exams.  Ensuring that the voices of survivors and rape crisis centers are heard in Annapolis is one of MCASA’s chief responsibilities and we are proud of these successes and eager to continue to fight for bills that were not passed.

This issue’s Program Spotlight highlights the Family Crisis Resource Center in Allegheny County.  This comprehensive sexual assault and domestic violence program provides a model for many things – including providing services on a college campus.

We are glad to be able to share their work with others in the field.

Wishing you all a safe start to the new school year.

Best regards,

Lisae

Lisae C. Jordan, Esq.
Executive Director & Counsel
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault 

Articles in this Issue

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