Let’s End Sexual Violence Together.
We must educate ourselves and others about consent, healthy relationships, and the impact of sexual violence.
WE HAVE TO BELIEVE
It all begins with an idea. Imagine a world where sexual violence doesn’t exist—where individuals can build healthy relationships, and respect is a given. We can each play a role in shaping how our college and university campuses exist—particularly through the lens of how we show up for ourselves and how we treat one another.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES: WHY WE MUST EMPHATICALLY CARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE
Sexual violence is a gender-based problem, a civil rights matter, and a critical health issue affecting our nation. Although sexual assault remains one of the most complex topics on college campuses today, we can change the game. Dr. Hammett's presentation will examine what these issues mean for colleges and how we must tackle them together, and with great intention. Students deserve to feel safe, and their success depends on it. Our communities' success relies on how we support each other. We must emphatically care about sexual violence and its effects. Only then can we start to build a culture that maximizes student success, fosters respect, and upholds the core values of our institutions.
The presentation will cover the following topics:
The impact of sexual violence
Communication and consent
The role of bystander intervention
Building healthy relationships
The role of Title IX on college campuses
How to support survivors
Rape myths are narrow or inaccurate definitions of what constitutes rape and false beliefs about the causes of sexual assault. These myths perpetuate harm and hinder our campuses from maximizing student safety and effectively supporting survivors of sexual violence, including their choices on whether to report incidents. Dr. Hammett's presentation approaches this topic from a trauma-informed perspective, aiming to dismantle harmful rape myths and underscore the complexities surrounding sexual violence. Participants will be encouraged to take collective action to foster communities of care and to show courage in addressing these pressing issues, while supporting victims and survivors.
The presentation will cover the following topics:
The fact and fiction of sexual violence
The cost of belief and how rape myths perpetuate harm
How to respond to a rape myth when you hear one
Reinforcement of myths by media and pop culture
How community norms impact attitudes toward sexual violence
How bystander intervention can challenge the misconceptions
View Dr. Matthew Hammett’s CV here.
WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW: WHY RAPE MYTHS PERSIST
Attending college is such a positive and transformative experience—one that has the power to change one’s life trajectory. Students must feel safe and protected in their environment to maximize such opportunities.