Campus & Community

Sexual and Relationship Violence Task Force Launches Website to Provide Information, Resources

Tuesday, March 1, 2016, By Kathleen Haley

The Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence has launched a new website to keep the University community informed about its work and to provide information on resources and prevention efforts.

Visitors will have access to links and information on policies and campus and community support resources.

“We envision this website to be an important resource for all students, staff and faculty members. The site will allow people to see the actions planned and implemented by the Chancellor’s Task Force, as well as provide links to resources on campus and beyond,” says School of Education Dean Joanna Masingila, task force co-chair. “We want this important work to be visible to the whole campus community.”

The site can be accessed at http://www.syr.edu/hcd/srv-task-force. It can also be accessed directly from the Quick Links section on the Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services website at https://www.syr.edu/hcd/equal-opportunity.html.

“The Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence is committed to ensuring our students’ well-being. This website not only provides updates about the task force, but also supports the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Sexual Violence Prevention, Education and Advocacy’s recommendation to increase the visibility of the resources and offices available to all members of our community,” says Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, task force co-chair. “This website is another step in strengthening our response to assist victims and survivors and supporting our campus community’s effort to prevent sexual and relationship violence.”

The site provides in-depth information on:

  • Action Steps Fact Sheet for Faculty and Staff
  • Affirmative Consent
  • Information Regarding Sexual Misconduct and Other Types of Harassment and Discrimination
  • Myths and Facts About Relationship Violence and Sexual Violence
  • Psychological and Emotional Impact of Sexual Violence
  • Sexual Harassment, Abuse and Assault Prevention Policy Statement
  • Student Conduct System Handbook
  • Sexual and Relationship Violence Resource Guide

“This issue affects so many people, and we all need to do our part in staying informed and making our campus safe for everyone. This website will help us get there,” says task force member and Interfraternity Council representative Adam Rothstein ’16.

Visitors to the site can also find information about the free LiveSafe app, a mobile blue light app that connects with the Department of Public Safety from users’ cell phones; learn how to share suggestions for prevention and education; and see a list of those on the task force.

“This is critical information for students, faculty and staff to access and this new site allows valuable resources to be able to connect with advocates and learn about the University’s policies,” says task force member Sheila Johnson-Willis, interim Chief Equal Opportunity and Title IX Officer.

“This comprehensive website is the result of a collaborative effort on the part of many voices on campus,” says task force member Andrew S. London, professor of sociology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. “It represents the continued efforts of the task force in looking at the University’s policies and programs and sharing our findings with the campus community.”

The Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence was established in April 2015 by Chancellor Kent Syverud following a recommendation by the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Sexual Violence Prevention, Education and Advocacy. A number of the original workgroup’s recommendations were instituted by the Division of Student Affairs, including creating new support groups; signing on with the White House’s “It’s on Us” campaign; organizing a full calendar of educational programs and events around the subject of informed consent; and providing detailed information to faculty, staff and students about Title IX.

The Chancellor’s Task Force, which is a standing committee, continues to review the University’s policies and programs to ensure effective response to sexual and relationship violence; explore promising practices and develop recommendations for model prevention and education program; and identify the best ways to communicate with the University community about services, support systems and enforcement efforts.