To the Editor:
In his Nov. 28 guest column titled "Rape happens here, too," Chris Norris-LeBlanc '13 draws attention to an important issue of concern to all of us. Recent events and public commentary should give all of us pause to consider the work that needs to be done to support survivors of sexual assault and to end sexual violence. As he states, it is time to confront the subject and to work for needed social change. We appreciate that Norris-LeBlanc reminds all of us of this responsibility.
Victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence need individualized support, and Brown takes seriously its commitment to providing a robust array of services for the immediate and long-term needs of students who report victimization. In fact, as The Herald reported Nov. 15, the University was recently recognized for the availability of its sexual health services and resources.
Among the resources available at Brown for students who are the victims of sexual assault are Health Services, the Sarah Doyle Women's Center, confidential therapy and a 24-hour sexual assault response line offered through Psychological Services, advocacy and support by Bita Shooshani, sexual assault prevention and advocacy coordinator, deans in the Office of Student Life and the special victims unit at the Department of Public Safety. In addition to being a serious violation of Brown's Code of Student Conduct, sexual assault is a crime, and offices at Brown are here to help students navigate the criminal justice system if they choose to file criminal charges. OSL deans and our sexual assault counselors take great care to inform students of all available options - including contacting the police - and to help students make the best decisions for them regarding their options initially and along the way.
Students may also hold offenders accountable through Brown's student conduct system. Hearings addressing student misconduct are often difficult for all parties involved, but OSL, in coordination with other campus resources, works carefully to minimize the challenges of the experience. Both the accused and the accuser are afforded a faculty or staff adviser, and victims of sexual misconduct may have an advocate present to provide support and have the option to provide witness statements without the accused being physically present. Students found responsible for sexual misconduct can and have been suspended or expelled from Brown.
All of those responsible for responding to sexual assaults on campus have a moral duty to take into account the needs and desires of the victim and the safety of the community. We can always do better, but to characterize the response at Brown as "ignorant and unsympathetic" does not give justice to the hours of training staff get and the continuous conscious attempts by staff members to improve our response. We want to work with students to build and strengthen programs, services and resources, and we welcome all constructive input.
Jonah Ward
Senior Associate Dean for Student Life
Gail Cohee
Director of the Sarah Doyle Women's Center
Margaret Klawunn
Vice President for Campus Life and Student Services
Francie Mantak '88
Director of Health Education
