How a University Responds to Sexual Assault on Campus

• In Event: Policy Panel: The Future of Preventing College Sexual Assault

Abstract

As Vice President for Public Safety and Superintendent of Penn Police, Maureen Rush is one of the leaders in the University’s response to sexual assault and support for victims. She started at Penn as the Director of Victim Support in 1994, working closely with the Penn Women’s Center, one of the nation’s oldest Women Centers, to provide support and options counseling for victims of sexual assault. In that time, she has helped build a University-wide response and education network that includes partners from student services, student health, cultural resource centers and campus law enforcement. Rush has helped the University build relationships with local victim support agencies. With support from University trustees, Penn provides free self-defense courses for women and de-escalation courses for men. Penn has engaged students, faculty and staff in anti-violence advocacy classes. Most recently, Penn has developed mandatory bystander intervention training for all first year students. Currently a University-wide Task Force examines the aspect of college culture that tolerates perjorative language and behaviors that demean women and create the appearance of tolerance for sexual abuse and harassment. Change in culture and accountability can assist in preventing campus sexual assault.

Author

• Maureen Rush, University of Pennsylvania