Johns Hopkins University has established a Sexual Violence Advisory Committee to assist the administration in developing new strategies to enrich and expand the university's sexual violence education and prevention efforts.
In an email sent to students, faculty, and staff, Robert Lieberman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, shared details about the committee's mission, along with the link to a new website featuring emergency contact information, policies, procedures, frequently asked questions, and training resources.
The committee and website are seen as key steps to enhancing the university's long-standing commitment to addressing sexual violence, including anti-harassment and anti-assault policies and procedures for investigating and responding to reported incidents of sexual violence.
"It is our goal to provide a safe and supportive campus environment, and our dedication to this priority cannot be overstated," Lieberman wrote. "I am grateful to these dedicated individuals for lending their time and expertise to this important effort. I am confident that they will help to advance a university culture that supports victims and processes that are fair to all."
Co-chairs Janet DiPietro, associate dean for research and faculty at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Allison Boyle, the university's director for equity compliance and education and its Title IX coordinator, are leading the committee of students, faculty, and staff.
The group is charged with advising on strategies to educate the university community about how to recognize and report incidents of sexual violence; enhance support and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence; ensure a fair and balanced process for responding to incidents, concerns, and complaints; and strengthen the culture of inclusion and safety at Johns Hopkins, including but not limited to the impact of violence, gender roles, drugs and alcohol, and social norms.
The website—a joint effort of Homewood Student Affairs and the Office of Institutional Equity—is expected to become a hub for information and assistance related to sexual violence prevention and response. Developed in collaboration with student leaders and others around the university, it is intended to serve all students, faculty, and staff.
Prominently displayed on the site are the number for the 24/7 Sexual Assault Helpline (410-516-7333), information on how to connect with a counselor, and resources for reporting an assault.
