Daniela Weinsweig

Problem

           More than one in five women in college are victims of sexual assault and misconduct during their time in University. Sexual assault is any type of sexual interaction or conduct that occurs without the consent of the recipient. Many students lack understanding of sexual assault. When conducting discussions on campus, common sources of confusion include “What if both people are drunk? Do you actually have to say what you want every time? Consent doesn't pertain to me because I'm in a long term relationship.” The issue of consent is fundamental to how individuals make decisions about and negotiate healthy sexual relationships.

 

Background

            Approximately 50% of college women have experienced some form of unwanted sexual activity and college populations are more at risk for sexual assault than their non-college attending peers (Borges, Banyard & Moynihan, 2008). Although more universities are developing policies for students regarding consent for sexual behavior in response to the problem of sexual violence on campus, many students seem either unaware of these policies or what they mean for actual behavior in relationships.

 

Remedy

            The University should require that students read and complete a module about sexual assault upon admission. This module should include the definition of sexual assault and consent along with ways to prevent sexual assault as a bystander. The module should also include ways to support a victim of sexual assault, along with a list of services that the University of Maryland offers for victims of sexual assault. Requiring that students complete this module before being accepted into the University of Maryland ensures that all students will enter college with an increased awareness and understanding of sexual assault. Eliminating sexual assault on college campuses is not going to happen overnight, but we can start the process by bringing awareness to this nationwide problem.