Why 'It's On Us' to Help Prevent Sexual Assault
You may have seen ‘It’s On Us’ stickers posted around campus and on the backs of vehicles, or you may’ve heard about taking the pledge, but if you’re still curious about what’s behind the It’s On Us campaign, join us for a primer. This Thursday, November 3rd, Dean of Students, Chris Purcell (who you can get to know here) is leading a Dean’s Hour centered around the It’s On Us Campaign, where students can sign a pledge to help prevent sexual violence on campus. Attendees will also receive additional resources and giveaways. Before you attend, check out these key facts about the It’s On Us Campaign at Chatham—
What is It’s On Us?
The It’s On Us campaign was launched in 2014 by the Obama-Biden administration as a means to help reduce and prevent sexual assault on college campuses. Six years later, it serves as the U.S.’s largest non-profit organization devoted to college sexual assault prevention and survivor support and education.
Why is It’s On Us important?
Per It’s On Us website statistics, college aged women (18-24 year olds) are at a 3x higher risk of experiencing sexual assault than other age groups and an estimated 20-25% of undergraduate women experience sexual violence, though the majority of assaults go unreported. Because of the extremely detrimental effects of sexual assault, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and a higher chance of dropping out of college, it is crucial that college campuses step up to protect and defend students, working to make universities a safe space for everyone.
According to the It’s On Us website, their chapters aim to, “build team[s] of dedicated student leaders who teach sexual violence awareness and consent, teach bystander education, and create support for survivors on campus. It’s On Us chapters are critical in changing the culture on campus around sexual assault.”
What initiatives are a part of It’s On Us?
The It’s On Us program offers its chapters a wide range of tools, including workshop materials and trainings. On the website, you’ll find educational trainings for sexual assault awareness and consent, bystander education, survivor support, intimate partner violence awareness, intimate partner violence intervention, and online dating safety. You’ll also find a number of supplemental materials that you can use for personal education or to host educational events on campus.
How can I get involved @ Chatham?
Students attend Take Back the Night in Rea Coffeehouse in 2018, an event geared towards taking action against sexual violence.
The first step to becoming involved with It’s On Us is taking the pledge. The pledge calls on signees to do the following:
“To recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault”
“To identity situations in which sexual assault may occur.”
“To intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given.”
“To create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.”
Students can also get involved with Chatham’s Sexual Respect Committee (SRC), which promotes programs on campus like It’s On Us, Me Too, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month every April. For more information on getting involved with the SRC, follow their Instagram: @SRC_chathu.
If you’re interested in signing the pledge and joining Chatham’s It’s On Us initiatives, be sure to attend Dean’s Hour on Thursday, November 3rd between 4:00-5:00 pm in the Carriage House. For more frequently asked questions about It’s On Us, check out their website.