Collaboration between University support services and students has generated a vigorous response to concerns sparked by a reported sexual assault Jan. 30. Adding to those services are Counseling and Psychological Services and the Women's Center, who have increased assistance to students.
In particular, counselors have availed themselves to students in Randolph Dormitory, where the assault occurred. After the assault, they immediately implemented a crisis-response program with students closest to the area of the crime.
"We have been part of efforts to work with the hall, house meetings, situations where there was a group that was involved," said Donna Lisker, director of the Women's Center.
The Women's Center organized a widely-attended vigil for students following the reported assault, and open meetings have been held in the past two weeks on East and West campuses as discussion forums for students to voice their concerns about the assault and campus safety.
In addition, RAs in some East Campus dormitories have organized hall and floor meetings to address students' worries.
Heather Oh, a residential adviser in Randolph, said she was pleased with the response to student concern, especially the administrative reaction. "OSD and the University and the Women's Center really responded well to what happened. They had a meeting in Randolph and moderated a discussion with the girls," she said.
Libby Webb, CAPS assistant director for clinical services, encouraged students to come in for consultations. "Taking steps to come in and speak with someone about it can often feel like it has been relieving," she said.
She stressed that responses to trauma are normal and understandable. Webb advised good sleep, a good eating regimen, moderate exercise, seeking support from family and friends and not isolating oneself as immediate steps to be taken in the midst of heightened fears.
Vice President for Student Affairs Larry Moneta stressed that recent events have brought to light the preparedness of support services to deal with sexual assault. "It's important to recognize our sexual assault problem is more associated with date rape and student-student violence than with outside sources of crime," he said. "We're blessed to have the full array of services available."
Webb said students have been proactive. "My sense is that it is a joint collaboration," she said. "How can we enhance safety from a systemic standpoint--and also a personal one?"
Lisker said that there is a significant increase from past years in the number of volunteers willing to help with Sexual Violence Prevention Week later this spring.
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