Despite the high visibility of federal, state, and institutional efforts to respond to gender violence and sexual assault on campuses, the issue of prevention still vexes many higher education administrators. In order to create truly equitable campuses that are free from sex discrimination, it is critical to deter gender-based violence before it ever happens. Promising practices are emerging from a growing body of research focused on this prevention.
Are you committed to implementing data-driven practices and policies to prevent gender-based violence and sexual harassment on campus? Then join a Preventing Gender-Based Harassment and Violence Learning Circle and be part of a group striving to use proven methods to prevent harassment before it ever occurs. This may include creating Coordinated Community Response Teams, utilizing data from high-quality climate surveys, and conducting bystander intervention and other trainings for students. Effective interventions should move a campus toward fair and consistent accountability, and they should also include comprehensive policies that strengthen community engagement and security on campus.
Learning circle members will identify, share, and help each other advance policies and practices that address this significant issue, including identifying programs that have worked well with students.