Sexual Assault

Gender-based sexual violence is pandemic—preventing it seems almost impossible. But Clayman Institute Faculty Research Fellow Mike Baiocchi’s new research proves intervention and prevention are possible.

How are sexual assault and sexual violence localized social problems? How do cultural and community specificities shape efforts to eradicate sexual assault? What are the similarities across cultural contexts? What types of research and collaborations may help us understand the universality of the culture of sexual assault?

Clayman Institute for Gender Research Faculty Director Shelley Correll took the stage at CEMEX Auditorium with journalist and former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson (’90) to discuss sexual assault in the workplace and the power of women sharing their stories, in an event hosted by the Stanford Libraries and co-sponsored by the Clayman Institute.

The statistics are alarming for sexual assault on college campuses. The CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control reports that nearly one in five women are sexually assaulted in college. And although all assaults should be prosecuted, very few cases are brought to justice.

We must eliminate the culture of silence on campuses across the nation. On my campus, most students do not have a problem admitting that sexual assault occurs, however, the culture surrounding sexual assault makes it an enigmatic issue where bystanders do not feel empowered to do something. As leaders in our communities we have to be the ultimate active bystanders and take initiative to put together engaging programs to tackle this issue and foster sustainable cultural change.

What comes to mind when hearing the term, “the hunting ground?” To many, it may sound like a wild game hunt, calculating and predatory; yet, it is the title of a documentary film about sexual assault on university campuses across the nation. The following statistics can help clarify the rationale behind the title:

On February 18, the Clayman Institute launched its 18-month symposium, “Breaking the Culture of Sexual Assault.” The series of lectures, panels and discussions digs deep into the issues surrounding sexual assault to uncover its underlying causes and engage the community in a conversation on potential solutions. The inaugural presentation, More Than a Few Good Men: American Manhood and Violence Against Women, delivered by educator, author and leading anti-sexual assault advocate Jackson Katz, emphasized how gender violence harms men as well as women.

What are some of the causes and consequences of violence against women? What role do men play?