OSU leader urges more efforts to stop sexual assaults

Oregon State University President Edward J. Ray on Tuesday challenged all students, faculty, staff and community members to work together to end sexual violence.

Ray’s challenge follows the announcement last Friday by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden of the “It’s On Us” campaign to raise awareness of – and ultimately prevent – sexual assaults on university campuses.

In a letter to the Oregon State community, Ray pointed to several programs at OSU that focus on education and prevention of sexual assaults and then said “that is not enough.” He challenged all members of the Oregon State community to get involved in their own way.

“I expect each and every one of us – regardless of where you work or attend classes – to become informed about sexual violence and to take the responsibility to help prevent and report all forms of sexual violence or harassment,” Ray said. “I have no doubt that we can all do something.

“Teaching faculty can learn how best to use classroom and advising opportunities to promote awareness, safety and support,” Ray pointed out. “Likewise, advisers, fraternities and sororities, supervisors, coaches, friends, etc. can all become informed about how they can respond and help this important effort.

“We are a community and should work together to ensure each of us are safe.”

The OSU president noted that an estimated one in five women nationally is sexually assaulted during her college years.

Sexual violence can impact anyone, he said, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. In the great majority of cases, individuals are assaulted by someone they know and even trust, whether as an acquaintance, classmate, friend, or current or former partner.

Of those assaults, it is estimated that only 12 percent nationally are reported, and only a fraction of the offenders are held accountable.

“Sexual assault is a severely violating experience that can cause a victim substantial immediate and long-term physical and mental health consequences,” Ray said. “These assaults must end, and to do so will require our collective focus locally and nationally.”

Oregon State will develop an “It’s On Us” website that will have information about the university’s response, prevention and education programs as well as information on how each of us can be part of the solution. The website will link to the national campaign and additional resources.

Ray asked all students and employees to learn about OSU’s programs and services regarding sexual violence reporting, emergency response, education and community services.

“During the course of the 2014-15 academic year Oregon State will take additional steps to address sexual violence within our community,” Ray said. “We will keep everyone informed of these important developments.” The university will publicize these efforts through the sexual assault website, the OSU Today newsletter, the online LIFE@OSU magazine, social media and other communications.

“It’s on us to end sexual assaults in the Oregon State University community,” Ray said. “Each of us has a role in creating a caring community – based on civility and respect – that is free of sexual assaults and other forms of harassment and violence.”

OSU Sexual Assault Prevention Services and Programs

Confidential support, counseling and advocacy services:

Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) provides confidential support to sexual assault survivors (541-737-7604 ) http://oregonstate.edu/counsel/osu-sexual-assault-support-services-sass Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) in Student Health Services, provides confidential medical exams (541-737-9355 ) http://studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/sane

Sexual assault reporting and response services:

OSU Office of Equity and Inclusion (541-737-3556 ) http://oregonstate.edu/oei/sexual-harassment-and-violence-policy Oregon State Police – Corvallis campus (541-737-3010 ) for non-emergency calls; 541-737-7000 for emergency calls) http://oregonstate.edu/dept/security/home ) Local law enforcement agencies within your off-campus community (Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance or referral)

Awareness and prevention education programs and services:

“Haven” — Online prevention education program required for all incoming OSU students and student athletes. “AlcoholEdu” Substance abuse prevention program required for all incoming first-year students attending OSU in Corvallis. Sexual violence prevention educator on staff in OSU Student Health Services. (541-737-9355 )

Academic programs, such as those offered in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies

For more information: http://oregonstate.edu/cla/women_gender_sexuality/major

Other OSU efforts:

On-going training for all for all residential staff in University Housing and Dining Services in conjunction with the Office of Equity and Inclusion; Sexual Assault Support Services; and Student Health Services to understand, identify and appropriately respond to disclosures of sexual violence. Residence hall educational programming – including resource information and support – provided by professional staff and members of student. Required educational programs for students living in OSU’s Affiliated Housing Program, made up of fraternities and sororities. Sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training for OSU employees by the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Oregon State employee policy on responding to disclosures of sexual violence or sexual harassment:

OSU’s Community Partners:

Corvallis Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV) provides confidential, 24-hour hotline services in the Corvallis area. (541-754-0110 ) http://cardv.org/ Guide to sexual assault service responders in communities through Oregon and the U.S. https://www.notalone.gov/resources Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis (541-768-5111 ) Hospitals and medical centers in your community

Future sexual assault education programs services

OSU Student Health Services is creating a center on violence prevention; and alcohol and drug abuse to work with Corvallis campus and community partners to expand and enhance education, outreach and prevention efforts. Office of Equity and Inclusion is taking additional steps to expand awareness of sexual violence and enhance prevention education among OSU employees.