February 2015

Happy Valentine’s Day – we think it is a perfect day to talk to our family and friends on college campuses about positive intimacy. This means clear and honest communication; reciprocal, enthusiastic consent and, of course, mutual respect.

In today’s (2/13/15) New York Times, Culture of Respect responds to Judith Shulevitz’s Op-Ed. We emphasize the importance of government action and the critical role schools play in making their campuses safe and productive places to learn.

This month, we are pleased to share important signs of action regarding campus sexual assault.

Two films that highlight the epidemic of campus assault are rolling out nationally this spring. It Happened Here is aligned with the White House It’s On Us campaign, of which Culture of Respect is a partner, and The Hunting Ground premiered recently at Sundance to rave reviews. Both films point to the voices of survivors who have bravely brought us to this pinnacle moment of change on campuses nationwide.

Last month, successful bystander intervention at Stanford received national attention when students appropriately informed the police and intervened to end an assault. Police say the perpetrator ran away but was caught by two students and held until police arrived. Engaging in prevention education with campus faculty, staff and students is a critical element of the Six-Pillar-Strategy that comprises the Culture of Respect CORE Blueprint.

Striking messages about power-based violence, which includes — but is not limited to — sexual assault, were shared during this year’s Super Bowl. Our CORE Blueprint helps schools recognize opportunities to engage campus leaders, including college athletes who may go on to play professional sports. Research proves that peer-to-peer education is an effective means of getting the message across that interpersonal violence is unacceptable.

This spring, Culture of Respect enthusiastically initiates our Pilot Program on 10-15 college campuses across the country, bringing our detailed curriculum to all stakeholders. We are pleased with this significant progress: colleges seeking to answer our call to make lasting change in the arena of campus sexual assault and create a Culture of Respect on their campuses.

Your voice, talking to those in your life who matter to you, those you love, creates the grassroots effect that no true cultural shift is possible without.