Resolution Advocating for the Creation of a Coordinator for the Prevention of Sexual and Relationship Violence 28 March 2007 WHEREAS Washington University’s Committee on Sexual Assault survey in 2004 demonstrates that more than 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men are survivors of attempted or completed rape before graduating from Washington University, while the vast majority of cases go unreported; WHEREAS sexual and relationship violence can include but are not limited to sexual assault and rape, and the victims of relationship violence nationwide deserve specialized support for their unique needs; WHEREAS Washington University currently lacks a centralized office or trained professional solely focused on sexual and relationship violence issues; WHEREAS many of Washington University’s peer institutions have trained staff providing support services for survivors, raising awareness through education, and handling official policy and protocol; WHEREAS currently, most sexual assault education programming is being conducted by student group volunteers, who are advocating for the creation of a position to coordinate University-wide efforts; WHEREAS a trained staff member dedicated solely to sexual and relationship violence issues would promote education and increase awareness, coordinate and centralize current student group efforts, create a safe place for survivors, and act as a resource for the community; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Student Union Senate of Washington University in St. Louis urges the University Administration to take the necessary steps to establish a coordinator position to provide individual support for survivors, coordinate sexual assault education programs, and address policy and protocol on campus related to sexual and relationship violence; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Student Union Senate urges University Administration to continually evaluate the needs of the campus community in terms of sexual and relationship violence and make future changes accordingly, including but not limited to the creation of an Office for the Prevention of Sexual and Relationship Violence; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Student Union Senate encourages Student Union to allocate funds in support of this position.
Carson Smith Arts and Sciences Senator Sponsor
Eric Gradel Business Senator Speaker of the Senate
Paul Moinester Student Union President