Despite higher education institutions' efforts to create safer campuses, rates of sexual violence remain consistent. First-generation college students are 1.3 times more likely to experience sexual violence compared to their peers and are less likely to report their assaults to on-campus resources. This is due to a lack of knowledge about available support, the absence of a knowledgeable support system to navigate the complex Title IX process, and other unique challenges. The increased risk for victimization, underreporting, and additional support barriers can significantly negatively impact first-generation students’ academic performance and overall well-being. This ongoing research highlights the critical need for all student affairs professionals to be equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to properly respond to disclosures of sexual violence.

NASPA’s Culture of Respect collaborates with educational institutions nationwide to end sexual violence through ongoing, expansive organizational change. During this webinar, Culture of Respect staff will engage participants in conversations to lead to a better understanding of the realities of sexual violence and its pervasive impact on survivors. Using case scenarios, a game-based learning platform, and discussion prompts, participants will recognize various trauma-informed best practices for interacting with students and identify ways to increase their involvement in on-campus sexual violence prevention initiatives. Together, we can strengthen our support services for first-generation student survivors and make our campuses safer, more accessible, and equitable for all.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will:

• Understand the short and long term consequences of sexual violence
  
• Recognize the different trauma-informed best practice principles
• Identify three ways to become more involved in sexual violence prevention and response on their college or university campus