National Conference on Campus Sexual Assault & Violence

Term:

Spring 2015

Description:

The 2015 National Conference on Campus Sexual Assault and Violence was held on February 24-25, 2015 in Berkeley, California. The conference brought together scholars, trainers, activists, survivors, elected officials, and university professionals who are committed to addressing the issue of sexual assault and violence from diverse viewpoints. Attending the conference, I wanted to learn about current efforts and policies to help educate and prevent the occurrence of sexual assault: how to respond to reports; and care for survivors.

Learning Outcomes:

SWiBAT identify one new concept or idea they learned and can apply in their work by attending conference workshops.

SWiBAT gain new networks from interacting with attendees.

SWiBAT gain a better understanding of rape culture by participating in workshop discussions.

Assessment Rubric:

	Advanced	Competent		Basic	Poor
SLO #1 New Concept	Attended various sessions at the conference and gained new information that can be applied to professional work		Attended two sessions at the conference and gained new information but could not understand how to apply to professional work	Attended one session at the conference but did not gain any new information		Did not attend any sessions at the conference
SLO #2 Networking	Attended more than two social events where I was able to connect with at least one new network		Attended at least two social events and initiated conversation with others but made no new networks	Attended one social event but was not able to gain any networks		Did not attend any social events
SLO #3 Discussion	Participated in all of the discussions and activities and remained engaged the whole time		Participated in most of the discussions and activities	Occasionally participated in discussions and activities		Did not participate in discussions

Evidence:

At the National Conference on Campus Sexual Assault and Violence, I marked down the workshops and presentations that I was unfamiliar with and really interested in learning more about. The keynote presentation titled “Risky Business” was an interactive theater presentation that shows the complexity of assault education and compliance through a very dramatic scene. Before this presentation, I didn’t expect to be triggered by the conference. However, the presentation was so real to me that it triggered an emotional response from me. It really impacted how I interacted with the other attendees and with the workshops. I thought that the activity of having to unpack with strangers after the presentation really put me in an uncomfortable and exposed feeling that didn’t sit well with me.  It really set the mood for the two days I was there. I didn’t feel like networking at all. So, I didn’t attend the mixer event the second day. I would rate myself as “Poor.”

Although I didn’t feel like meeting new people, I really wanted to learn something new. One of the workshops that I really enjoyed was on sexual violence and the LGBTQIA communities. I learned that about 10% of hate crimes gay men and lesbians include sexual assault and even when LGBTQIA survivors do report the crimes, they are often victimized again by stigma and microaggressions perpetrated by people who are supposed to help them. Learning that just by using inclusive language often make LGBTQIA survivors feel more supported, I am more intentional in using inclusive language that would help our LGBTQIA students feel more welcomed and supported. I also intend to incorporate experiences LGBTQIA survivors when I create a presentation for Fall 2015 about intimate partner violence in immigrant communities. I would rate myself “Advanced” for learning a new concept and integrating it to my work.

I remained engaged in all of the workshops I attended.  I participated in most of the discussions facilitated by the organizers.  I really enjoyed the workshop on rape culture on college campuses and the roles of the media and pop culture. We were able to get into small groups and examine movies, music and social media and the impact they have in shaping our attitudes about rape and survivors. I got a chance to see popular media in a different light. Songs and movies that seem harmless, like Baby It’s Cold Outside and 500 Days of Summer, perpetuate the notion that when a person says “NO,” you could just keep on insisting until they say “YES.”  It was eye opening how rape culture is normalized in the media.  It was great I was able to ask questions and hear from younger people talk about new movies or songs I haven’t heard of and seeing them deconstruct them and synthesize the information in their own experiences. It really gives me hope. I would rate myself “Competent” for discussions.

Here are some pictures from the conference:

Reflection:

Although I was triggered by the keynote presentation, I didn’t let it keep me from participating and learning valuable information about sexual assault and violence on college campuses. I also gave myself permission to take time for myself to deal with my emotions on my own terms.  At that moment I needed space for myself and refused to continue unpacking the presentation. I had to take care of myself.  I’m glad that I did. I think sometimes I try to suppress my emotions and distance myself from particular subjects.  I cannot expect myself to always appear to be “put together.”  The conference also allowed me to get to know my cohort mates better.  Rachael, Mai Moua, Johanna and I really hit it off.  We were able to discuss the workshops and what we have learned. I also appreciate that the conference consistently highlighted that gender violence is not just a “women’s issue” and encouraged the engagement and education of men in all levels of higher education to become allies in prevention efforts.