According to the DU Department of Campus Safety current crime log, about 20 percent of the reports since the start of winter quarter have involved assaults or harassment or the use of force. DU is attempting to prevent these occurrences, but they happen and fellow students become victims. Assault shatters the safety of someone’s environment, and on campus, we have various organizations to help pick up the pieces. However, not only do we need to bolster our prevention efforts, but we must also modify and expand our resources for those who have experienced such crimes.
Here at DU, we all share a common space. When someone violates the faith we have in each other, the entire community is impacted. We are a web of interconnected lives and we share a communal experience. Someone else’s experience of assault means our collective environment and trust has developed a fracture. The incident of a student attacking another student requires immediate actions and tangible repercussions or support for those individuals involved.
There are several avenues upon which this process may begin. Though practical and effective, current support responses can be rather impersonal and lengthy, failing to provide the empathy or urgency truly warranted.
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that 73 percent of sexual assaults are committed by a “non-stranger.” This means that people we know and we would never suspect are the ones hurting us. You had a friend you thought you knew, trusted and could rely on; instead, they hurt you, they broke that trust and let you down. Now you are expected to put your trust in people you do not even know to help resolve this situation.
Students are encouraged to meet with counselors from the Center for Advocacy, Prevention and Empowerment (CAPE) and utilize other various resources they offer. Though not always able to provide what a student is looking for, they have such things as education for moving forward, a resource library and tips on the legal process. Their mission is to “promote healthy relationships, teach non-violence and equality and foster a respectful and safe environment.”
The victim then might speak with a Resident Assistant or campus safety, inevitably making a “complaint” at the Office of Equal Opportunity. Perhaps even here, though somewhat trivial, is an aspect upon which we could improve. Language has a significant influence upon our experience of the world. Though by definition “complaint” is applicable, this word carries with it connotations of whininess and seems more appropriate for dissatisfaction with a meal or haircut. Nevertheless, a “complaint,” an expression of grievance, is made.
At this point the investigation begins; all individuals directly involved or closely associated with the incident are asked for statements. This material is reviewed and after an undetermined number of weeks pass and you choose or choose not to take advantage of the possibly applicable support from CAPE, you receive a “Final Letter of Determination.” Again, this language seems rather detached though the formality does express their commitment and recognition of the severity. Students should be reminded that this “letter” does not tell you the consequences for your attacker; rather, it states what was found to have happened based on the gathered statements.
Unfortunately, this can seem like the investigator is trying to determine whether or not what you were saying, what you went through, was the truth. Questioning the reality of your experience is only more hurtful. Of course, this is a necessary procedure to ensure that those accused are innocent until proven guilty.
This judgment is then forwarded to the Outcomes Council, along with a personal statement from both parties, if they so choose, about the impact this incident and process has had.
The intricacies of the process should be given greater transparency; to minimize unexpected confrontations or phases for students. In relation to this, more immediate communication needs to be provided, whether initiated by the office or the student.
The consequences of attacking a fellow student are regarded with immense seriousness by the Office of Equal Opportunity and the university itself, as is appropriate. No matter what offense is being dealt with, the faculty ensure that the perpetrators awareness is raised through the penalties given for such violence, often requiring educational courses.
It is through raising awareness about prevention that will hopefully foster a more compassionate community. Our campus has many initiatives and resources, including the “Consent is Sexy” campaign, information and guidelines about “How To Help A Friend” and providing a confidential hotline.
Prevention is crucial and providing support for victims is equally as important. We need to ensure that the procedures we have in place are continually improved in order to facilitate a compassionate and effective process. Redesigning some aspects of it to cultivate a more self-advocating approach could be more empowering survivors of these crimes.
