Photo Credit: martin-dm
It is officially September, and the school year is in full swing! Students from across the country are sharpening their pencils, cracking open their textbooks, and eager to learn from the semester ahead. For students gearing up to study abroad this year, they have even more to prepare for and get excited about. Travel should be a positive experience for everyone, which is why we want to see study abroad programs be as safe as possible for the students participating in them. This week, we’re discussing ways universities and programs can keep students safe from sexual violence while studying abroad.
In the past, we’ve discussed how campus sexual assault (particularly college campus sexual assault) is far too common. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports that, “One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college.” We know that a contributing factor to these assaults is the way in which perpetrators will leverage certain vulnerabilities against survivors like an unfamiliarity with the environment, excessive drinking/drug use culture, and a lack of strong social ties. All of these vulnerabilities are exacerbated for students studying abroad.
While abroad, students are unfamiliar with the geography and culture of their new residence. They may not be fluent in languages widely spoken there. The legal drinking age might be lower than in the United States. Students might not even have peers from their school in the program with them. The structure of a school and its reporting mechanisms might even be entirely different. All of these factors can contribute to an increased risk of sexual assault, which is why schools and study abroad programs must emphasize student safety in their policies and practices.
Below are some of our suggestions to combat sexual violence in study abroad programs.
Strengthen Partnerships Between Study Abroad and Title IX Offices
While a student may attend a U.S.-based school, their Title IX protections do not follow them out of the country. Title IX Solutions notes that, “international partner institutions are not subject to Title IX and often lack comprehensive sexual misconduct policies or reporting protocols. This gap can leave students unsure of where to turn—and institutions vulnerable if an incident is mishandled.” In their article, “When Students Study Abroad: A Title IX Guide for Higher Ed”, they provide the following recommendations:
-Offer pre-departure training for students and faculty that underscores prohibited conduct and that schools can still support them abroad without Title IX policy.
-Lay out clear reporting protocols, ensure points of contact are easily accessible (especially for students with limited internet access), and identify a local 24/7 reporting hotline.
-Review partner schools’ sexual misconduct policy and, “if needed, formalize expectations and information sharing protocols in a memorandum of understanding (MOU).”
-Train faculty and staff abroad with Title IX materials to better understand sexual harassment and the impact of trauma.
-Map out local resources for students so that they can seek the appropriate help. This includes U.S. embassies, local hospitals, counseling centers, and hotlines.
Increase Student Awareness
Students can be empowered through education. The more they know about potential risk factors or red flags, the better they can protect themselves or others. Share with students practical and helpful tips to be more aware of their surroundings and potential dangers, and incorporate Green Dot Bystander training to help students step in if they witness potentially unsafe situations for their fellow students.
Have a RALIANCE Policy Review
Whether it’s students studying outside of the U.S. or students from abroad studying in the U.S., schools always have room to grow to strengthen protections for these students. RALIANCE would be happy to review school or study abroad program policies and procedures and provide our recommendations for making all students and faculty involved safer.
Studying abroad must be a time for personal evolution and educational enrichment. Sexual violence has no place anywhere in the world, and we know that schools and study abroad programs everywhere can play a role in making it a safer and more respectful opportunity for all.
RALIANCE is a trusted adviser for organizations committed to building cultures that are safe, equitable, and respectful. RALIANCE offers unparalleled expertise in serving survivors of sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse which drives our mission to help organizations across sectors create inclusive environments for all. Visit our website or our grant page for more information.