Division of Student Life Statement of Principals in Responding to Sexual Assault
A statement from Dean Lori Berquam:
Sexual assault, dating violence and stalking are serious public health concerns that impact both individual survivors and our larger campus. We know victims experience painful barriers to academic success, lower graduation rates, social isolation, and ongoing medical and mental health issues because of these situations.
We strive to prevent these horrible acts, respond in victim-centered ways and seek accountability from those who would perpetrate them. It is my sincere wish that other survivors know that the campus cares about these issues and hopes to meet their needs, wherever they choose to seek help.
There are many options and resources for those who have experienced a sexual assault, including the Division of Student Life, University Health Services, University Housing staff, UWPD, the Rape Crisis Center, SANE, faculty and staff, and your own friends or peers.
We know that the first person a survivor tells has a key role in her or his ability to trust other providers and heal. (A complete list of options available on the UW–Madison campus are available in a brochure from UHS.)
Should a victim decide to come forward to report an assault, our bedrock principal is that and individual is empowered to direct the university’s response in the way that he or she is most comfortable.
I am lucky enough to have a staff of committed assistant deans who are deeply experienced and trained to advocate on behalf of victims.
If requested, we will provide a full range of advocacy services that encompasses everything from working with professors to initiating a judicial or police investigation in an effort to hold perpetrators accountable.
In addition to responding to these acts, our campus is actively seeking ways to collaborate to prevent them.
Recently, UW–Madison was one of seven campuses nationally awarded a three-year, $300,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. This grant, known as Ending Violence on Campus (EVOC) is specifically granted to address sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.
It is my firm belief that college campuses have a responsibility to respond appropriately and respectfully to student survivors, as well as to create attitude and policy changes that diminish tolerance for violence against the women and men who experience these crimes.
That said, administrative solutions alone are not the only answer.
As I have in the past, I again challenge the members of our community to become engaged in developing solutions by becoming involved in student organizations such as PAVE, participating in activities of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month and contacting my office or any of the EVOC partners with your ideas about how we can fill current gaps in our efforts.
It is our ultimate goal to create a safe and respectful campus community, free from sexual and dating violence.
If you have questions or comments, please contact us at 608-263-5700, dean@studentlife.wisc.edu, or learn more at www.uhs.wisc.edu/assault.
