Developing a University-Wide Institutional Response to Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence

SUMMARY

This article presents a process case study for developing a university-wide response to sexual assault and relationship violence. Following Kelly's (1988) approach to prevention work in community-settings, we began our work with in-depth ecological reconnaissance to understand our local context. Our case study described the processes used to develop an inclusive task force, conduct an environmental scan, and carry out a quantitative-qualitative needs assessment. Our processes for developing an institutional response for both direct services interventions and prevention are discussed in the context of Kelly's (1966, 1968, 2006) ecological principles of interdependence and cycling of resources.

KEYWORDS:

• Campuses
• prevention
• relationship violence/domestic violence
• sexual assault
• universities

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lauren F. Lichty

Lauren F. Lichty and Rebecca Campbell are affiliated with the Psychology Department, and Jayne Schuiteman is affiliated with the Women's Resource Center and the Program in Women, Gender, & Social Justice; all are at Michigan State University.

Rebecca Campbell

Lauren F. Lichty and Rebecca Campbell are affiliated with the Psychology Department, and Jayne Schuiteman is affiliated with the Women's Resource Center and the Program in Women, Gender, & Social Justice; all are at Michigan State University.

Jayne Schuiteman

Lauren F. Lichty and Rebecca Campbell are affiliated with the Psychology Department, and Jayne Schuiteman is affiliated with the Women's Resource Center and the Program in Women, Gender, & Social Justice; all are at Michigan State University.