(EDITOR’S NOTE: Part of shades Magazine’s educational campaign promoting the safety of women everywhere)
Protecting women, educating men
By Janice Lee (she/her) | shades Magazine Contributing Editor
The recent gang rape lawsuit by a former Cornell student has ignited calls for universities across the country to examine their Title IX programs. It has also brought new attention to the ethical responsibility of citizens to protect women against sexual violence.
One in five women in the U.S. have experienced rape or attempted rape.
Women and racial and ethnic minority groups experience a higher burden of sexual violence.
One in four undergraduate women experience nonconsensual sexual contact.
For many women, reading details about these issues is familiar, nauseating and triggering. Following are some key issues for our readers and resources for emergencies and wellness.
WHAT TO KNOW
✿ In another fraternity sexual assault, the University of Chicago student newspaper publishes a story describing a TikTok video that appears to show the alleged assailant being chased away by one of the victim’s girlfriends – The Chicago Maroon
✿ Cornell women student journalists are first to name alleged offenders and call for the university to disclose standards for suspension – The Cornell Daily Sun
✿LSU student shares her story about what happened after she filed a Title IX complaint against a football player who the university found responsible for sexual assault and rape – WAFB9-TV
✿ Creating safe and inclusive spaces at fraternity and sorority houses – The Tufts Daily
✿ How parents are talking to their kids about the Cornell allegations – NBC News
✿ How the “burnerverse” is affecting women in college sports – NPR
✿ Parents are talking about consent – New York Times
GET HELP
✿ If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
✿ National Sexual Assault Hotline
✿ National Human Trafficking Hotline
✿ National Domestic Violence Hotline
PROTECT YOURSELF
✿ Safety planning for you or a friend
✿ Protect your privacy from getting doxxed
MENTAL HEALTH
✿ Secondary traumatic stress and K-Dramas with positive relationship role models. (@noonasnoonchi)
✿ Sample music playlist (created with Wayne Barcelon)
LET’S TALK
✿ Talk about the importance of speaking up. Discuss when it would be safe to intervene or call for help.
✿ Check in on the girls in your life. With those closest to you, discuss decisionmaking in a non-judgmental manner. Listen with an open heart. Discuss healthy friendships with all genders.
✿ Allow boys and young men to express their emotions and talk about their mental health all the time. Not just when something seems wrong.
✿ Teach empathy.
✿ Role play with sons and daughters (or nephews and nieces), what they would say or do if they heard friends say a sexist joke, harass a girl or saw that an inappropriate text or photo was shared.
✿ Watch for signs of binge drinking and substance addiction. Question whether judgment is impaired. Get help.
and substance addiction. Watch for signs of binge drinking. Question whether judgment is impaired. Get help.
✿ Call adult men out when they cross the line. Even in casual conversations and even if they are “just kidding.” They need reminders.
✿ Shed toxic friends.
GET ACTIVE
On social media
✿ Tag – #IAMJANEDOE
EXPLORE DEEPER
✿ “Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent & Respect” – illustrated book for young children by a teacher/mom whose Educate2Empower Publishing reflects her dedication to the safety and empowerment of children.
✿ “The Sexual Trauma Workbook for Teen Girls” – by licensed clinical psychologist Sheela Raja, PhD, and mental health school counselor Raychelle Cassada Lohmann, PhD.
✿ “The Mask You Live In” – documentary by Jennifer Newsom Seibel on toxic masculinity and the perception of manhood. Stream it for free on Kanopy with a public library card.
✿ “Saving Five: A Memoir of Hope” – book by Amanda Nguyen, who used her personal experience to change rape kit preservation and disclosures, leading to the Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act in 2016.
✿ “Know My Name: A Memoir” – book by Chanel Miller detailing her experience as a survivor and the subsequent legal battle.
✿ “Sexual Citizens: A Landmark Study of Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus” – book by Columbia and Princeton professors who interviewed more than 150 undergrads to reframe how young people prepare for sexual relationships.