As college students, the topic of establishing safe environments is not just relevant, but essential in ending sexual violence. The college setting is a microcosm of the larger community and effectively serves as a sample of character and behavior. While unacceptable actions of individuals cannot be side-stepped, it’s important to understand within the scope of necessary changes to end sexual violence, effective prevention efforts must also incorporate a community-level strategy that addresses on and off-campus social spaces.
According to the CDC, evidence-based community-level strategies to create safe spaces include three approaches.
One: Improving safety and monitoring in schools These approaches monitor and modify physical and social characteristics of the school environment by addressing areas where students feel less safe, to identify safe spaces and staff support for students. This includes alternative and outside-the-box approaches such as tutoring to empower fellow students and being a “big buddy” to those who are vulnerable. Volunteering with empathetic attitudes, advocating for a reliable and on-time student transit system, and being actively involved in changing social norms fit into the realm of improving safety on and around campuses, also.
Two: Establishing and consistently applying workplace policies Working at businesses on campuses or those surrounding campuses is a huge part of student life. When employees and managers know what is mutually expected of them, and respect standards of behavior, workplace bullying and sexual harassment can be prevented. Even if you aren’t employed by these businesses, supporting businesses that embrace these policies contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
Three: Addressing community-level risks through environmental approachesThese strategies focus on various elements of neighborhoods and community settings, including the modification, implementation, or enforcement of laws, regulations, or organizational policies. This can involve urging restaurants and bars to adopt stringent alcohol policies, encouraging bars to train all staff, or altering the physical environment, such as making sure parking lots are well-lit. Community-level environmental approaches hold significant potential for influencing sexual violence outcomes on a population scale, often with minimal implementation costs.
Students possess greater power to combat sexual violence than they often realize. Broader changes can contribute to an overall reduction in crime and a decrease in power-based violence. Communities that practice respect tend to experience a reduction in crime rates, including incidents of sexual assault. Though the red zone time frame will be ending in November, it is not a time to stop being vigilant when it comes to sexual assault. We invite students to assess what they can do to promote community level well-being and support any efforts taken.
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