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Milwaukee Universities Educate Freshmen about Preventing Sexual Assault

Bob Bach

While authorities investigate the use of so-called 'date rape' drugs at a UWM frat, the university is just one in town that talks to new students about inappropriate behavior.

Due to the prevalence of sex assaults on and around campuses, all schools receiving federal funds are now required to educate freshmen about the risks.

Marquette University held a session in a residence hall this month, for about three-dozen male freshmen.

They milled about, some sporting new blue MU t-shirts, until it was time to grab a chair. The co-facilitators began – Associate Vice President Kathy Coffee-Guenther and hall director Deandre Taylor.

"I want to make sure you all know what the policy is for sexual misconduct, and the only way to do that is if all the first year students have all the same information, which is why we’re here tonight," Coffee-Guenther said.

"Though it’s mandatory, we at least want to thank you for giving it thoughtful consideration," added Taylor.

A video screen blinked as Taylor began a power point presentation. The images displayed key findings about sexual assault on campus.

Taylor recapped the facts. "One in five women are raped during their college years. First year women, during the first six weeks, are the most vulnerable to assault. Why do you all think that is?," Taylor asked.

Credit Bob Bach
Students work in small groups for an exercise during a class on sexual violence awareness and prevention.

Several students responded. "They feel vulnerable because it’s new and maybe they’ve been drinking," said one. "For a lot of them, it’s their first time being alone, being away from their parents and all this new freedom and they can make poor decisions or just be taken advantage of," said another.

Taylor affirmed the comments. "So that’s one of the reasons why we do this training session in the first six weeks is to recognize predatory behavior. Another fact: seven out of 10 rape survivors knew their attacker," Taylor said.

During the class, the instructors gave the students a clear picture of what constitutes sexual violence or misconduct. The two defined various behaviors.

"What is stalking? Stalking is an unwanted pursuit that causes the victim to fear for his or her safety. It can before or during relationship, in the absence of a relationship, and it usually involves conduct that serves to harass, intimidate and frighten."

One subject discussed in detail is consent.

"Here at Marquette, consent is a clearly communicationyes, not the absence of a no. Consent is enthusiastic, meaning there is energy, there is positive energy around that consent," Coffee-Guenther said. She then asked the students to identify the elements of consent.

A few students responded that consent, "cannot be coerced, it has to be mutual...It has to be a conscious decision where the person isn't incapacitated."

Before the class ended, the instructors encouraged the freshmen to watch out for each other and to help anyone in need, seek medical and other help.

The following session was for Marquette's female freshmen.

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