VWU’s Ongoing Focus on Prevention
Virginia Wesleyan University strongly believes that educating one another about sexual misconduct and responding to victims are critical aspects of the University community and that this education must continue throughout the academic year.
VWU offers programs over the course of each semester. Student interest always allows new and creative initiatives to be included during the course of the academic calendar year. Campus Climate Surveys are also conducted in order to assess student’s thoughts and suggestions regarding this topic.
Tips for Prevention for all members of the VWU community
- Communicate clearly about how you feel and what you want. Listen to your partner. Do not rely on body language - stop, ask, and clarify what your partner wants.
- Do not accept the myth that “no means yes.” Submission does not equal consent.
- Limit alcohol intake or abstain. Remember, having sex with someone who is incapacitated is sexual assault, even if you have been drinking.
- Educate yourself and examine your own attitudes that may perpetuate sexism and gender-based violence.
- When safe, challenge actions, comments, or jokes that support rape and other gender-based violence.
- Speak up. Do not just look the other way. Confront friends who are being disrespectful or abusive of any person by speaking up when you think gender-based violence is possible.
- You could save a friend from becoming a victim of sexual assault - or from committing one.
- Start conversations with your friends, your partners, and your family about what violence means and how they can help stop gender-based violence.
- Talk to someone you know who makes sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or other such remarks. Explain why you think the behavior is inappropriate.
- Invite an educator to speak to your class or student organization about violence.
- Get involved and do your part to end violence. There are many things you can do on and off campus to help, including attending events, requesting or organizing events, and volunteering your time.
- Be critical of the media you consume. Only support musical artists, television shows, and movies that treat people with respect and portray gender-based violence accurately. If you do not like what you see or hear, turn it off.