I really like the focus on defining what “consent” generally looks like, especially the last portion about consent being withdrawn at any time-I think this is very important in the teachings of consent. I’m also shocked to find out that some states do not define consent, seeing as though more and more sexual assault victims and survivors report and come forth. My question is, how does a Title IX coordinator education and create an environment where students feel comfortable learning and being held accountable for bystander intervention and sexual assault dynamics within at a trade or technical college- when populations of students historically and traditionally (not always) are male prominent environments. I ask only because I can somewhat foreshadow the level of uncomfortableness if I was the only female/singled out during these types of conversations. Does OCR have tactics or suggestions for situations like this? (Another example is the field of nursing, which is predominantly female learners, but not always). Class room dynamics and student population all affect how institutions have conversations.
I learned that consent is a big actor and is easily misinterpreted.
I understood why anyone who will be handling cases needs to have some training because they will need to understand why the victims will be able to acting the way they are. If they do not have the training, they may misinterpret the behaviors.
This module has been eye opening in assessing sexual misconduct on campus. This has been an ongoing concern for most institutions and how it pertains to this institutions is indeed interesting.
I appreciated the very specific definitions of consent. I believe that there is a lot of misconception on this one aspect of sexual violence.
It is important to know the details of what consent means. It is key to know if an infraction has happened.
Again I agree with Sheila's comments on this issue.
A bystander has the power to intervene in potential situations. Encouraging people to act is powerful and can potentially prevent harm.
It is important to create a feeling of safety.
It is important to understand the psychological impacts of sexual assualt and harassment.
Make information available to faculty, students, staff.
This module provided some more detail and information on different types of assaults and how to categorize them (for example domestive violence).
It is important to establish consent and have an understanding what that means
Victims of sexual violence may behave differently than victime of other types of violence. To the untrained eye a victim of sexual violence may appear to be lying (likely why it's taken SO LONG for women to be "heard" by law enforcement. Thank God for training and the MeToo movement!!
Having students and staff understand policies of sexual harrassment, violence, and crime on and off campus is imperative as well as them knowing where to seek assistance.
Prevention and Education Title 9 and VAWA Training
Understanding what is prohibited by law and getting training is essential in providing a safe campus. I belive that understanding what consent actually means is important in understanding this subject. Consent has to be voluntarily (not from mentally, physically or under age person). Past consent does not mean future consent. Consent with one person does not mean consent with another person. Withdrawing does not mean consent.
Sexual assault is a serious crime and should not be taken lightly .Thus, one should be aware of behavior, don't pressure anyone, keep communication open, know your level of comfort and cooperate in reporting this crime.
Very important to understand the definiton of all terms concerning this topic especially what constitutes consent.
The information on what actions by-standers can take to prevent sexual abuse was helpful. Also, the behavior of victims will vary and it is important to understand that victims use different coping methods.
There is still a stigmata on rape vicitms, especially women as to who was responsible for it occurring. How they were dressed, how they acted, if they had been drinking, if drugs were invovled (voluntary or not), etc. This makes women, especially young women reluctant to come forward to file complaints. There is also the psychological aspect to the act. Did she know them, what did she do immediately afterward, was evidence preserved, etc and if not why did she not do so. The laws have been getting better at protecting the victims (no matter what gender or orientation) and all reporters such as universities have stopped turning a blind eye to the victims and are now trying to support them.
I learned that state and institional laws on consent are both required to be provided to people by the particular institution they attend/work at.
