As sexual violence on college campuses draws national attention, College of Public Health experts offer guidance on strengthening prevention efforts and supporting survivors.

“A supportive response starts with believing the survivor and asking what they need, rather than deciding for them,” said Laura Sinko, PhD, MSHP, RN, associate professor in the College of Public Health’s Department of Nursing. “Every survivor wants something a little different, so the best responses offer a menu of options around reporting, housing, academics, and care, and follow through.”

Sinko said timely medical and forensic care should be available when drugging is suspected, without making care conditional on reporting.

“And because most survivors first tell a friend or roommate, universities should be teaching every student how to receive a disclosure well,” she said.

Sinko also cautioned against responses that take away a survivor’s control, question what they were drinking or doing, or make them repeatedly recount their experience.

“Survivors are too often left choosing between a process that retraumatizes them and consequences that feel meaningless,” she said.

“Universities should take a whole school approach to sexual violence prevention,” said Laura Johnson, PhD, MSW, assistant professor in the School of Social Work. “This model recognizes sexual violence as a community-wide issue and collectively engages institutional leadership, faculty, staff, students, and community partners in prevention efforts.”

Johnson said universities can strengthen their prevention efforts and support for survivors by seeking ongoing feedback from their communities.

In a message to the Temple community, President John Fry announced a Sexual Assault Advisory Group that will review current practices and recommend improvements. College of Public Health Dean Jennifer Ibrahim will co-chair the group alongside Jodi Bailey Accavallo, vice president for student affairs, and Monika Williams Shealey, dean of the College of Education and Human Development.

As Fry noted in his message, “We work with students and community members to navigate their journeys, and we strive to ensure they feel supported and are aware of all available resources, while holding perpetrators accountable. It is our institutional responsibility to continue to adapt and improve.”

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, Temple students can contact Tuttleman Counseling Services at 215-204-7276 for free, confidential counseling and support.