fighting for our safety
Sexual violence EDUCATION at Penn State University PArk
Sexual Violence Is Real, and Sexual Violence is Here
In alignment with national data, sexual violence is a pervasive and horrific issue at Penn State University Park (PSU UP). Currently, the only mandatory sexual violence education for all students is a one-time program provided during New Student Orientation (NSO). It is our job as students/faculty of Penn State and members of the State College community to educate about the persistence of sexual violence at PSU UP and advocate for the establishment of a yearly sexual violence and bystander intervention course mandatory for all students (graduate and professional) to graduate.
The Facts:
Data was retrieved from the University's 2018 Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey at University Park.
19% of undergraduate students and 7.1% of graduate/professional students have reported being victims of at least 1 attempt of instance of sexual assault
Only 78.5% of undergraduate students and 83.5% of graduate/professional students feel safe from sexual harassment on or around campus
Only 63.8% of undergraduate students and 74.6% of graduate/professional students feel that the University would take reports seriously
84.7% of undergraduate students and 78% of graduate students think that sexual misconduct is a problem at UP
Click the button below to view a comprehensive issue brief about sexual violence at PSU UP.
What Might This Course Look Like?
Bystander Intervention and Victim Care
How to be an active bystander before, during, or after an instance of sexual violence
How to care for victims of sexual Violence
How to balance self-care and bystander intervention
Comprehensive Sex Education
Scientifically accurate, informed, sensitive, and adaptive sex curriculum
Anatomy and physical aspects of sex and sexual health
Emotional and cognitive aspects of sex and sexual health
Gender equity, sexual violence and abuse
Self-care and Healthy Relationships
Balancing romantic relationships and friendships
What friendships and romantic relationships should look like
The importance of your relationship with yourself
Self-care and healthy routines
Learn More: Course Topic Resources
Bystander Intervention and Victim Care
National Sexual Violence Resource Center Bystander Intervention Guide: https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/2018-02/publications_nsvrc_tip-sheet_bystander-intervention-tips-and-strategies_1.pdf
Know Your Title IX Supporting Victims Guide: https://www.knowyourix.org/for-friends-and-fami/supporting-survivor-basics/
Comprehensive Sex Education
Planned Parenthood Sexual Education Outline: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-great-northwest-hawaii-alaska-indiana-kentuck/education/sex-education
UNESCO Comprehensive Sex Education Outline: https://csetoolkit.unesco.org/toolkit/getting-started/what-comprehensive-sexuality-education
Healthy Relationships
UK Self-care and Self-relationships: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/guide-investing-your-relationships/yourself
Counseling Recovery Self-care Blog: https://www.counselingrecovery.com/blog-san-jose/how-to-take-care-of-yourself-in-relationships
For more resources, view the comprehensive issue brief linked above.
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
It's on us to make our campus and town a safer space, and it all starts with educating one another about the prevalence of sexual violence and our role in stopping it. Together we are stronger. Send a letter today to our officials at PSU UP and share your support for the establishment of this course!
Click the button below to view a letter template to send to our officials at PSU UP.
Advocacy Project Justification:
Works Cited
In addition to those from the Issue Brief:
Bystander Intervention Tips and Strategies. 2018, https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/2018-02/publications_nsvrc_tip-sheet_bystander-intervention-tips-and-strategies_1.pdf.
“How to Manage Self-Care and Boundaries in Romantic Relationships.” Counseling Recovery, Michelle Farris, LMFT, https://www.counselingrecovery.com/blog-san-jose/how-to-take-care-of-yourself-in-relationships. Accessed 24 Apr. 2022.
Sex Education. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-great-northwest-hawaii-alaska-indiana-kentuck/education/sex-education. Accessed 24 Apr. 2022.
“The Relationship You Have with Yourself.” Mental Health Foundation, 8 Feb. 2018, https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/guide-investing-your-relationships/yourself.
What Is Comprehensive Sexuality Education? | Comprehensive Sexuality Education Implementation Toolkit. https://csetoolkit.unesco.org/toolkit/getting-started/what-comprehensive-sexuality-education. Accessed 24 Apr. 2022.
Image Citations
https://admissions.psu.edu/pennstate/campuses/university-park/
http://www.fortitudeaz.com/sexeducation
https://www.babylonhealth.com/en-gb/blog/health/a-therapists-guide-to-self-care