Packed into a small room in the Knight Library on August 7, the Task Force to Address Sexual Violence and Survivor Support met for the third time this summer. It continued working towards its goal of drafting plans for action and policy changes within the administration regarding sexual assault, as well as a proposed structure for a standing committee, all of which will be presented to the University Senate on October 22.
The group was formed through legislation from the University Senate in spring 2014 and began meetings this summer; however, internal changes were brewing even before then.
During the meeting Renae DeSautel, Sexual Violence Response Coordinator at the Dean of Students Office, gave a presentation on the changes that have been made in the past year in order to inform how her office helps students who come forth about sexual assault – and the committee agreed there was vast improvement.
Not only does her office provide options and support for counseling, they are also able to make academic, legal, housing, financial aid and employment accommodations for survivors if necessary.
DeSautel said that in addition to hiring newly trained specialists (including a detective sergeant with training in sex crimes), the most vital additions to the university’s repertoire of help have been a new 24/7 information and support line (541-346-SAFE) and website, safe.uoregon.edu.
The idea behind these initiatives was to make one place that is easy for students to navigate and learn about all of their options when facing incidents of sexual assault or harassment.
She stressed that they always respond immediately, and that their responses must always be compassionate and understanding.
DeSautel said, “I try to move mountains for them and just make sure that they can still benefit from education here despite whatever happened to them.”
Despite the positive changes in response, the task force says there is still much work to be done – especially with prevention. Many at the UO already know about the Sexual Wellness Advocacy Team’s interactive theatrical presentations and alcohol.edu, but the task force knows they need to look beyond those options to address such a deeply rooted issue.
In the meeting, many advocated for the continued and expanded education of students, staff and faculty, but thought that change from above is imperative from here forward to ensure that the issue does not keep getting swept under the rug.
“There really aren’t enough resources being devoted to this problem. This is not just something that would be a nice thing for the university to do; we’re out of compliance with federal policy. I have no doubt about that. If you look at it we’re simply out of compliance with Title IX,” said Professor Emeritus of law and philosophy Cheyney Ryan.
The group’s draft goals outlined specific actions they would like to send to the president immediately. Some of these included training on mandatory reporting and sexual assault services at faculty orientation, messages to all faculty to include a section on assault in their syllabi, messages to UO employees outlining their duties in regards to Title 9 and a policy regarding drug and alcohol amnesty on materials concerning sexual violence.
An additional concern voiced by the group was that the Presidential Panel, an additional group tackling the issue, holds their meetings in private. The task force will be advocating to have a representative at those meetings to ensure they are able to work together and have access to the same information and materials.
Meetings held by the task force will continue to be open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.