Yvonne Chen

We need to be actively aware of how certain comments or behaviors can contribute to the normalization of sexual violence, such as joking about sexual assault or being silent when someone(s) is making the joke. It is troubling that the defintion of sexual crimes and consent varies from state to state.

It's important to recognize that the lack of consent is central to sexual harassment and violence. For example, not resisting sexual advancement from someone does not mean that consent is automatically given. Moreover, consent on one occasion also does not  mean consent to the same behavior on a later occasion.

I learned a lot about the responsibilities of a Title IX Coordinator. One of the most important things is that the Coordinator needs to have an understanding of the psychology of trauma resulting from sexual violence and that even reporting cases can be harmful and triggering for survivors. Going through the offical process of reporting can retraumatize victims and may even deter victims from reporting in the first place.

Compared to other training I've had, this training was very thorough. It was mostly a refresher, but I did learn some new information about VAWA. Although the training is pitched for campus instructors, it is definitely important for the online environment too.