Addressing Sexual Harassment
and Sexual Violence
“As we work to make Oregon State University a safe,
inclusive, and nurturing community for all of us, it is
imperative that we end any form of harassment on campus.
I expect each and every member of the OSU community to
become informed about harassment and to take
responsibility for preventing harassment in all its forms.”
--Oregon State University President Ed Ray
Prevalence of Sexual Misconduct
Nationally
•
•
•
•
16% of women experienced attempted or completed assault before entering college1
19% of women experienced attempted or completed assault after entering college1
As many as 50% of college students experienced dating violence2
13% of college women are stalked while in college2
Oregon State University
• OEI sexual harassment reports 3
AY11
AY12
AY13
AY14
AY15 (to date)
10
6
15
69
52
1The
Campus Sexual Assault Study (Krebs et al. 2007)
Sexual Victimization of College Women (Fisher et al. 2000)
3Grievances filed with the Office of Equity and Inclusion
2The
2014 Office of Equity and Inclusion
Risk Factors and Health Consequences
Risk Factors
• Majority of sexual assaults occur when there is incapacitation due to use of
substances, primarily alcohol
• Freshmen and sophomores are at greater risk for victimization than juniors and
seniors
• The large majority of survivors of sexual assault are victimized by someone they
know
Health Consequences
• Rape survivors
• 40% contract Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• 1% to 5% become pregnant
• 4 out of 5 suffer chronic physical or psychological conditions
• Survivors of sexual assault are more likely to suffer academically and from
depression, experience post-traumatic stress disorder, abuse alcohol and drugs,
and contemplate suicide
2014 Office of Equity and Inclusion
Title IX
Prohibits sex discrimination in education
• “Dear Colleague” Letter (2011)
• Title IX covers sexual violence
• Violence Against Women Act/Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act
(SaVE Act) (2013) and Office for Civil Rights FAQs (2014)
• Requirements for procedures, investigations, reporting, confidentiality, interim
measures, remedies and outcomes, and training, education and prevention
• President Obama’s Task Force on Sexual Assault Report (2014)
• Proposed federal and state legislation
• Campus Accountability and Safety Act (CASA) – new proposals
• Confidential advisors, annual climate survey, mandatory MOUs with law
enforcement, massive fines for violations
• State legislation
• Protocols, anonymous reporting, MOUs with agencies, response teams,
prevention and outreach programs
2014 Office of Equity and Inclusion
Institutional Responsibilities
1. Respond – Stop Misconduct
• Investigate, end misconduct, eliminate hostile environment
2. Remedy Effects
• Provide protection, assistance, resources, reporting
3. Prevent Recurrence
• Change living or academic situation, issue no contact orders, pursue suspension
or expulsion, etc.
• Provide awareness and prevention education and training
2014 Office of Equity and Inclusion
Current Efforts
Response
• Policy and process improvements (consent, amnesty, no hearing panels)
• Participation in national “It’s On Us” campaign
• Enhanced web presence
• Increased capacity (Equal Opportunity unit, new investigators, coordinator)
• Increased expertise (specialized trainings for responders and investigators)
• Reporting requirements
http://oregonstate.edu/oei/sites/default/files/sh_sv_consultation_policy_8.29.14.pdf)
Remedy
• Continued partnerships (Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence)
• Specialized resources (Trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners - Student Health,
Support Services – Counseling & Psychological Services )
2014 Office of Equity and Inclusion
Current Efforts
Prevention
• Education - students (Haven and AlcoholEdu)
• Education - employees (New employee orientation, Haven and in-person programs)
• Increased capacity (Prevention position in Office of Equity and Inclusion; New
Alcohol, Other Drug and Violence Prevention Center in Student Health Center)
Planning
• Title IX Coordination Committee comprised by numerous OSU partners
• Convened Title IX Coordinators throughout the state
Legislative Input
• State bill
2014 Office of Equity and Inclusion
Planned Efforts
Response
• Revise existing policy statements and complaint procedures
• Budget resources for remedies
• Policies and procedures memo to all employees
Prevention
• Additional training for all new employees
• Culturally tailored programming for students
• Incorporate questions related to sexual assault into student climate survey
2014 Office of Equity and Inclusion
Assurances
• Every case will be addressed
• All incoming students will receive sexual violence and alcohol awareness and
prevention education
• All new employees will be offered sexual violence awareness and prevention
education
• Ongoing prevention and education efforts will be enhanced and intensified
• More resources will dedicated to response and prevention
2014 Office of Equity and Inclusion
Office of Equity and Inclusion
327/330 Snell Hall
Corvallis, Oregon 97331
Phone: 541-737-3556
Email: equal.opportunity@oregonstate.edu
Sexual Misconduct site:
http://oregonstate.edu/oei/sexual-harassment-and-violence-policy