Talking With Your Student About the Realities of Sexual Assault
Sexual assaults on college campuses have been a recent focus of national attention. Millersville
University seeks to change the culture that may support sexual violence by engaging students in learning
opportunities from orientation through commencement, in the classroom and as a thread woven in
campus activities. Millersville University recognizes the important role parents and family members have
in preparing students for their academic journey at Millersville and recognize that this may be a topic
that you might feel a little uncomfortable approaching your student about.
Here are a few tips to help make talking about sexual assault a little easier:
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Become educated yourself so that you can comfortably talk about the realities of sexual assault
and help alleviate the all too common myths that surround sexual violence.
Start the conversation. Ask your student if they have heard about the national attention that
sexual assault among college students is receiving and what their thoughts are. It’s important
that both male and female students are engaged in the conversation as sexual assault impacts
everyone.
Reinforce values and morals. Just because the student is in a new environment doesn’t mean
they are a new person. They may be engaged in new experiences, feel pressure to conform to
behaviors of their peers but they should feel confident making their own decisions.
Encourage students to look out for their peers. If they see something that doesn’t look or feel
right, step in or get help.
Talk about consent. Rape is a criminal activity that involves not receiving permission before
engaging in sexual activity. Discuss the role that drugs and alcohol play in being able to provide
consent.
Discuss campus resources. Do students know where they can go for help if they or a friend is in
need? Encourage them to build relationships with staff and faculty on campus.
Keep the communication lines open. Let your student know that they can discuss things like
sexual assault with you and that they can tell you things regardless of the situation.
For additional information on sexual assault:
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Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network: www.rainn.org
PA Coalition Against Rape: www.pcar.org
National Sexual Violence Resource Network: http://www.nsvrc.org/resources
Millersville University Student Affairs Sexual Violence Resource Page:
http://www.millersville.edu/studentaffairs/Sexual%20Violence/index.php.
If you have conversations with your student and they disclose that they have been victimized the best
thing you can do is listen, believe, them and empower them to ensure that they receive the services that
are needed in their recovery.
Source of article information: www.rainn.org