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

1The Campus Sexual Assault Study (Krebs et al. 2007)2The Sexual Victimization of College Women (Fisher et al. 2000)3Grievances filed with the Office of Equity and Inclusion

AY11 AY12 AY13 AY14 AY15 (to date)

10 6 15 69 52

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 IXProhibits 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

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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

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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 )

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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

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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

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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 HallCorvallis, Oregon 97331

Phone: 541-737-3556Email: equal.opportunity@oregonstate.edu

Sexual Misconduct site: http://oregonstate.edu/oei/sexual-harassment-and-violence-policy