Wolf lauds sexual violence prevention efforts at SRU
SLIPPERY ROCK — Gov. Tom Wolf spoke at a news conference on Wednesday about Slippery Rock University's progress in the “It's On Us PA” program.
“It's On Us PA” is a statewide campaign that invites everyone to reframe the conversation about sexual violence and pledge to be a part of the solution.
Wolf said that before the news conference he attended a roundtable discussion with student, staff and faculty representatives about the campus's use of grant funding for the program.
“It was a really great roundtable,” Wolf said. “We've made some good strides, but we still have a lot of work to do.”
Wolf said Pennsylvania was one of the first to launch a statewide program to coincide with the national “It's On Us” program, and SRU was one of the earliest colleges to join the initiative.
He said the goal is to embed nonviolence and respect into every campus' culture.
“Places like Slippery Rock are doing good things to put us on the right path,” Wolf said. “I applaud Slippery Rock for being a pioneer in this endeavor.”
Wolf said his visit also came during a vital time, dubbed the Red Zone.
According to RAINN, Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, more than 50 percent of sexual assaults on campuses happen between August and November.
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“This is when we expect the biggest uptick on campus, so this is the time to talk about it,” Wolf said. “We need to make sure every college student on a campus feels free to interact socially.”
Wolf said most of the headway during the past few years can be seen in increased numbers in reported sexual violence on campuses.
According to a 2018 fact sheet published by the U.S. Office for Victims of Crime, reports of sexual offenses have consistently increased from 3,600 to 9,300 between 2010 and 2015.
“Of reported sexual offenses (in 2015), rape accounted for 63 percent and fondling accounted for 36 percent,” the publication said.
SRU President William Behre said he has had time to examine the reporting procedures on SRU's campus, which he said follow all standards set by federal and state law.
“I think the reporting structure is solid,” Behre said. “We have all the reporting structure; the key is getting students to use them.”
According to statistics reported to the U.S. Department of Education, the latest compiled data show that in 2017 SRU reported two rape cases, a decrease from four in 2016.
“I assure you, Slippery Rock remains committed to providing a safe environment for our students and our guests,” Behre said.
Corinne Gibson, director of the Office for Inclusive Excellence, said the more than $19,000 received in state grant money for the program will again go toward material to help raise awareness and support victims of sexual crimes.
Gibson said the university will continue to use posters, banners and mirror clings to help the campus community discourage those who may act, to encourage victims to seek help and to illicit courage from bystanders who can put a stop to a volatile situation.
Erin O'Connor, a graduate assistant working with SRU's Women's Center and Pride Center, said the outreach and awareness campaigns have to continue.
“Sexual assault is alive and well in campuses across the country,” O'Connor said. “I see the growing need for the education, awareness and resources.”
