This journal submission is about gender based violence at Frostburg State University. After examining the website, it is clear that all information relating to gender based violence can be obtained from the office of the Advisory Council against Gender –Based Violence. The information at the office provides vital information on the prevalence of gender-based violence at Frostburg State University. In addition, the office of the Advisory Council against Gender –Based Violence also mandated to subject the perpetrators to disciplinary hearings.
The Office of Student & Educational Services keeps records of all the criminal charges and all the bias-motivated incidents which violate students’ codes of conduct within FSU community. Vital information on gender-based violence can also be accessed from the office of Title IV Coordinator which is responsible for overseeing all complaints related to gender based violence at the college. More information can also be solicited from the Dean of Students’ Office. However, since individual counseling is done confidentially on issues related to sexual matters, it is not easy to access the information since they are confidential.
Based on the statistics provide by US Department of Education (2011), it is estimated that 20% of female students will be victims of gender based violence while at college, 6% of male students will also face the same acts of violence, while 90% of all the reported sexual assault cases will be done by people known to the victims. The police also keep vital information on issues relating to gender based violence; since victims are encouraged to call the FAU police as soon as possible after the incident.
There are vital information at Frostburg State University website which guides victims of gender-based violence in handling cases of gender based violence. First and foremost, it is necessary to be safe in case a victim happens to be the target of the violence. The victims are advised to remain very calm and get to a safe location. The assault should then be treated seriously even if others minimize the intensity of the violence. It is also important to understand that the fault is of the abuser.
It is also vital to offer support to the victims by laying out options for them to make a decision. Medical attention is encouraged since there may be internal injuries which may not be visible. Gender based violence may be a problem for the Frostburg State University community. Gender based violence, such as sexual assault and domestic violence is a major issue facing many college students today and mostly women are at risk. It is estimated that one in every five women will be victims of gender based violence during their college years.
The college administration at should invest in recent developments and practices aimed at preventing and addressing issues pertaining to gender-based violence. Rules should be developed which outlines how best to create and promote a learning environment which promotes campus norms of interpersonal respect as well as non-violent relationships.
In addition, the college administration should develop policies which address the various forms of violence in a comprehensive manner which will be vital in increasing the number of effective prevention coupled with early intervention programs. The policy initiative should aim at offering Frostburg State University community with the required tools and resources to foster healthy relationships and better solve the issues and help those affected by violence.
Works Cited
Nicoletti, John, Sally Spencer-Thomas, and Christopher Bollinger. Violence Goes to College: The Authoritative Guide to Prevention and Intervention. Springfield, Ill: Charles C. Thomas, 2010. Print.