Students from the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi are being encouraged to participate in the 东精影业 Sex Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey. The anonymous and voluntary survey is open to students 18 years old and older from February 4 to March 10, and can only be accessed through an email with the subject line “东精影业 students: Please complete the sexual harassment and sex-based violence survey” sent from 鈥�东精影业 President (Omnitrak on behalf of 东精影业) .鈥�

“Sexual harassment and sex-based violence on college campuses are serious issues nationwide,” said 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel in an a February 4 email to students. “东精影业 has made significant progress in responding to these issues across our 10 campuses, largely thanks to your participation in a student survey conducted every two years.”

Why participation matters

This is the fifth 东精影业 survey on sexual harassment and sex-based violence since 2017. Utilizing the campus specific data collected in the previous surveys, the Title IX coordinators from each of the 10 campuses have tailored outreach and support materials for their campus communities. Systemwide, survey insights have improved training programs and expanded advocacy services, ensuring a data-driven approach to prevention, response and awareness.

“Your experience matters to us, and your voice is critical to our efforts in creating a safe and supportive environment for all students,” Hensel said.

What the survey covers

The 20-minute survey will ask students about:

• Campus environment related to sexual harassment and sex-based violence.
• Perceptions of 东精影业鈥檚 response to reports of harassment or violence.
• Awareness of resources and reporting options for sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and interpersonal violence (domestic and dating violence).
• Prevalence and incidence of sexual violence, harassment, stalking and interpersonal violence on 东精影业 campuses.

Students can exit and resume the survey anytime before March 10, 2025. All responses are completely anonymous and survey data will be kept confidential and reviewed only in aggregate to ensure privacy. A Frequently Asked Questions page is available with more information.

#BeHeard东精影业

Students are encouraged to promote #BeHeard东精影业 on social media and help raise awareness about the importance of speaking up against sexual harassment and sex-based violence.

Resources

If you have experienced sex-based harassment or violence, resources are available:

• Confidential Support—If you need help but are not ready to make a formal report, reach out to .
• Formal Reporting—To file a report, .
• Off-Campus Assistance—contact a community resource in your area.

Survey history and results

The 东精影业 Student Survey is considered a national best practice and was first identified as a university priority in 2015. It later became a state mandate under Act 208 (2016) and has been conducted biennially since 2017. Past survey results include:

• 2018—Groundbreaking student survey on sexual harassment and gender-based violence
• 2020—Results of student survey on sexual harassment, violence
• 2022—Students feel safer on 东精影业 campuses, according to latest student survey
• 2024—Students feel safe, aware of resources, according to survey

The survey is coordinated by the 东精影业 System Office of EEO/TIX and conducted by OmniTrak Group, Inc.

A webinar series will be held across the University of Hawaiʻi 10-campus system, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in October 2023.

The 2023 is hosted by 东精影业 Title IX Offices systemwide, in collaboration with the 东精影业 System Office of Equity Assurance and the Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges Office of Compliance, EEO/AA and Title IX.

“This issue can impact anyone, regardless of race, gender, age, socio-economics, disability, or sexual orientation,” said 东精影业 President David Lassner in a September 26 email to the system announcing the DVAM series. “Please join us by standing behind 东精影业鈥檚 commitment to ending intimate partner violence and taking time to being held across our 10 campuses.”

The DVAM webinars will highlight a range of relevant and timely topics, including the effects of domestic violence on children, the impact of disasters on families dealing with domestic violence, ways to support survivors of intimate partner violence and lighter topics such as unpacking the relationship dynamics in the movie Barbie.

The webinar series will also feature a crossover event for both DVAM and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). In this special event, national and state experts will discuss the legal protections and accommodations for workers experiencing pregnancy and domestic violence.

The events (registration is required)

Crossover event for DVAM and NDEAM (co-hosted by 东精影业 systemwide EEO Offices)
October 17, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

October 17, 3 p.m.–4 p.m.

October 24, 1 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

October 25, 3 p.m.–4 p.m.

October 26, 12 p.m.–1 p.m.

.

In 1989, Congress , officially recognizing the national movement to raise awareness and unite efforts to address intimate partner violence. In the most recent results, a 2021 survey by 东精影业 found that approximately 18.5% of students who had been in a partnered relationship while enrolled at 东精影业 reported experiencing intimate partner violence. The need for power and control takes many forms—including emotional, physical and financial—but the effects of abuse linger and can be felt across generations.

If you are experiencing intimate partner violence or any other type of sexual harassment or gender violence, please know that support services are available, including confidential help. 东精影业 is committed to maintaining and promoting safe and respectful campus environments free from sex discrimination and gender-based violence, and 东精影业 has adopted a policy prohibiting domestic and dating violence, as well as other forms of gender violence.

The 28th annual Men鈥檚 March Against Violence started outside the steps of Honolulu Hale, and for the first time since the pandemic, involved groups marching in the streets on October 6. Roughly 100 men participated in the 2022 March Against Violence.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 10 million women and men are physically abused by an intimate partner each year.

The traditional route going down Beretania, Bishop and King Streets is one Jerris Hedges, dean of the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM), has walked down before in previous marches. His upbringing has led him to become one of the many community leaders involved in the Men鈥檚 March year after year.

“When I grew up, my brother, mother and I dealt with a father who used violence to address some of the issues he had,” Hedges stated during his news interviews that previewed the march. “He had a tendency toward violence, but he also had a severe health condition that made it difficult for him to do daily activities, and he was also dealing with psychological and physical stressors in his life. It鈥檚 not too dissimilar from what many families who have domestic violence issues have to deal with.”

For his tireless commitment, Hedges was honored this year by the Domestic Violence Action Center with the “Distinguished Citizen of the Year” award.

The Men鈥檚 March Against Violence Committee noted the “significant difference” Hedges made at an institutional and community level throughout his tenure as dean. Organizers expressed gratitude for the “earnest, important and inspired way Hedges addresses domestic violence and demonstrates his convictions about this problem to the community, colleagues and Hawaiʻi鈥檚 health care systems.”

“I鈥檓 very pleased to receive this recognition, but I realize I鈥檓 receiving it on behalf of the entire University of Hawai驶i鈥檚 efforts and, in particular, that of the medical school鈥檚 efforts to contribute to domestic violence awareness,” Hedges said.

Training future doctors to recognize signs

Since being appointed JABSOM dean 14 years ago, Hedges prioritized training future doctors to recognize the warning signs of domestic violence and how to intervene properly.

“It鈥檚 one of the things I try to share with our medical students each year as we organize and work with other parts of the University of Hawaiʻi,” he said.

The annual march is always a somber one. Keliʻi Beyer from the Domestic Violence Action Center charted all the fatal domestic violence events in Hawaiʻi since the previous march, and asked the audience on the Honolulu Hale grounds to never forget the names of the victims. After the sobering reminder that domestic violence is a problem that needs to be addressed, Hedges asked men, in particular, to step up.

“Most perpetrators of domestic violence are men. As men, we need to establish good role models to not only help men who may try to solve their problems through violence but understand that there鈥檚 a better way,” said Hedges.

This was the last march Hedges will attend as JABSOM dean. He is preparing to retire next year, however, since he will continue to call Hawaiʻi home, he pledges this year鈥檚 march won鈥檛 be his last.

“Families can stand up and do things to support those who suffer from domestic violence. It鈥檚 essential,” said Hedges.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Domestic Violence Action Center鈥檚 helpline at (808) 531-3771 or visit .

The will be hosting a webinar series in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in the month of October.

The will highlight topics about rights and resources for domestic violence survivors; sexual health and reproductive coercion; and a Native Hawaiian framework for well-being. The series will also feature crossover webinars, exploring the intersection of domestic violence in two particularly vulnerable groups: queer and disabled individuals.

Below is a schedule of the webinars in the series. Pre-registration (at each webinar link) is required to attend.

• —Crossover Event for DVAM and Honolulu Pride: October 3, 1–3 p.m.
• —Panel Presentation for Faculty and Staff: October 6, 11 a.m.–noon
• —Panel Presentation for Students: October 13, 11 a.m.–noon
• —October 13, 3–4 p.m.
• —October 19, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
• —October 24, 2–3:30 p.m.
• —Crossover Event for DVAM and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (co-hosted by 东精影业 System EEO Offices): October 26, noon– 1 p.m.

The series is hosted by the 东精影业 Community College Title IX Offices in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges System Office of Compliance, EEO/AA, and Title IX.

In 1989, Congress designated October as (PDF), officially recognizing the national movement to raise awareness and unite efforts to address intimate partner violence. Although significant progress has been made in the last 33 years, domestic violence persists.

东精影业 is committed to ending intimate partner violence, offers a variety of support services and engages in education and prevention efforts. 东精影业 policy (PDF) prohibits domestic and dating violence, as well as other forms of gender violence.

Sex Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is observed nationally every April to promote education and prevention of sexual violence. This year, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is inviting its community to take part in upcoming SAAM events in April.

To further promote prevention and healing through reconnecting individuals to their communities, the theme of this year鈥檚 SAAM campaign is “Roads to Reconnection.”

“SAAM is meant to build awareness and increase prevention efforts in ending sexual violence. Here at 东精影业 Mānoa, it is imperative that we build a sense of community and safety for our haumāna (students),” said Jamie Newalu, 东精影业 Mānoa advocate. “It is everyone’s kuleana to look after one another. Sexual assault is not a light matter, and we all probably know someone who has been impacted by sexual violence. I encourage everyone to come and join our efforts to stand against sexual violence, and to reconnect with the community as we come back to campus.”

Roads to Reconnection

• Wednesday, April 6, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Campus Center Courtyard

A resource fair featuring both on- and off-campus resources where participants can learn more about sexual violence prevention and healing. Alongside 东精影业 Mānoa resources, there will be featured community resources which include the Sex Abuse Treatment Center, Domestic Violence Action Center, Planned Parenthood, 贬辞ʻ辞虅濒补 Nā Pua, Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Nā Leo Kāne. The event will include music, fun and games.

Roads to Reconnection: Standing Together

• Thursday, April 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Campus Center Courtyard

A resource fair featuring 东精影业 Mānoa student groups and resources that are standing together to prevent sexual violence. Participants can come and join your peers on spreading awareness to end sexual violence. The event will include music, prize giveaways and free food.

TEAL Thursday

• Thursday, April 14, 9 a.m–2 p.m. at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services (QLCSS)

In honor of SAAM, an awareness display will be presented at QLCSS. Come and check out the display, take selfies and have a reflective moment as we all embrace the kuleana of ending sexual violence. Everyone is encouraged to wear teal for this “TEAL Thursday” event.

On- and off-campus resources

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers of SAAM events would like to emphasize the resources, both on- and off-campus, that are available to everyone. The SAAM events are co-sponsored by 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Center, , 东精影业 System Confidential Advocate and the office.

“东精影业 Mānoa is the largest university in the State of Hawaiʻi, and we are cultivating many future leaders, advocates and brilliant minds that will make an impact in this world,” said Newalu. “It is important that as a university community, we stand together and advocate against sexual and gender-based violence to make this a safe environment for our growing leaders to develop. Sexual violence knows no bounds, and is a pervasive problem across the world. It will take a collective effort from everyone, especially our future leaders, to put an end to sexual violence.”

For more information on upcoming events, follow @PAUviolence, @uhmwomen, @uhadvocate and @manoaadvocate on Instagram. For questions, contact Newalu at (808) 956-9499.

To create educational and work environments at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 that are free from sexual harassment and discrimination, the campus has several valuable resources including the 惭腻苍辞补 Advocate. The confidential provides assessment, support, resources and navigation for 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 students, faculty or staff who may be experiencing sex- or gender-based discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, domestic/dating violence or stalking.

“I want people of the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 community to know that I鈥檓 here for them. If anyone thinks they may be experiencing sex- or gender-based harassment, discrimination, or violence they don鈥檛 have to feel alone,” said 惭腻苍辞补 Advocate Jamie Newalu. “There are options and support for them, and I鈥檓 here to help them navigate their options. It can be particularly tricky for those in dating or domestic violence relationships, so I encourage them to reach out for support when they are ready.”

Students and staff who need assistance can reach out to the office to discuss their options (i.e. reporting, interventions, support) both within and outside of 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. Services that the 惭腻苍辞补 Advocate can offer are referrals, counseling, advocacy, safety planning and support as appropriate to the personal circumstances.

The 惭腻苍辞补 Advocate is a designated confidential resource for Title IX related matters. Limitations to confidentiality may apply if the responding party (alleged perpetrator, offender or abuser) is an employee of 东精影业, as the university may have a duty to respond. In such circumstances, privacy will be upheld to the extent permitted by law.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the 惭腻苍辞补 Advocate, the , 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Women鈥檚 Center and Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) have partnered to hold events throughout the month.

#东精影业WeAllKnow1 social media campaign and give away by PAU Violence

• Throughout October 2021

Follow PAU Violence on and to help spread awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. There will be opportunities to participate and win prizes.

Domestic violence awareness table at Campus Center

• Thursday, October 14, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Monday, October 18, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Check out the resource table at Campus Center in conjunction with Domestic Violence Action Center.

Virtual presentation: Online dating safety and upstander support

• Wednesday, October 20, 12–1 p.m.

Pandemic limiting options for meeting someone in person? Talk story with DVAC鈥檚 TAP808 team about ways to be safe and smart when using dating apps and matching with potential partners or hook ups. Learn how to support a friend who may be experiencing an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Let鈥檚 be intentional about how we show up for each other. Sign-ups for this virtual presentation at:

Beautiful Pieces: A Glass Mosaic Experience hosted by Nā Wahine ʻo Lapaʻau

• Sunday, October 24, 6–7 p.m.

Join a small intimate glass mosaic workshop to acknowledge domestic violence survivors. Go to and Instagram accounts and sign-up, link in the bio. Or email nawahineolapaau@gmail.com. Space is limited.

The Bystander Moment film virtual screening and discussion

• Screening: October 15–25
• Discussion: Monday, October 25, 12–1 p.m.

Join a virtual screening and discussion with PAU Violence and N膩 Leo K膩ne on The Bystander Moment. For more information email 东精影业MPAU@hawaii.edu.

To contact the 惭腻苍辞补 Advocate, please email manoaadv@hawaii.edu or call (808) 956-9499.

This editorial by 东精影业 President David Lassner ran in .

In the not-so-distant past, domestic violence or intimate partner violence was not openly discussed in the community or workplace. That a loved one would harm their intimate partner in a coercive, deliberate and violent manner was a difficult truth that many would prefer to minimize or deny. Spousal and intimate “disputes” were considered private matters, and even trained professionals experienced many challenges in developing safe interventions for victims who were trapped by abusive partners.

We now understand the prevalence of domestic violence globally and, sadly, here in Hawaiʻi. We now know that while domestic violence can affect anyone, there are certain populations that are even more vulnerable including indigenous populations, gender minorities, and the disabled—particularly when these identities intersect.

Because its pervasiveness is often hidden from sight, domestic violence is considered by many experts to be a silent global pandemic. And incidents are markedly on the rise in this global COVID-19 pandemic, driven by loss of employment, economic insecurity and the lockdown of homes and families to protect our health.

In Hawaiʻi, the (DVAC) has been at the forefront of work to help and protect victims and reduce prevalence of domestic violence in our communities. Throughout their three decades of systemic advocacy and providing direct services to survivors and their families, DVAC has consistently maintained that the pervasive, yet shadowy nature of domestic requires the commitment of leaders from all sectors and across systems to recognize their roles in addressing this public health crisis and to commit to improving institutional responses and supporting creative and collaborative prevention strategies.

To that end, I am honored to serve on DVAC鈥檚 Council of Advisors. I am keenly aware that the effort to keep domestic violence survivors safe during these unprecedented times requires thoughtful discussions about how to improve partnerships and enhance collaborations. Six years ago, the University of Hawaiʻi began developing a comprehensive plan to strengthen our own systemwide infrastructure 鈥� one that would support student and employee survivors of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence.

We expanded our participation in the community and increased our visible commitment to ending intimate partner violence through collaborative and community-based initiatives such as the Men鈥檚 March Against Violence. In 2015, we revised our policies and procedures to prohibit dating/domestic violence and stalking. That same year, we increased access to confidential resources available to members of our campus communities. We formalized relationships and partnerships statewide with DVAC, the Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Child and Family Service, and the YWCA Kauai. We continue to work with these agencies to provide survivor-centered support services as we provide collaborative training programs for our students and employees. And we now regularly administer campus climate surveys so we can understand the breadth and depth of domestic violence within our community.

We are proud to work with DVAC and look forward to working with them and other allies to develop more innovative ways to build a stronger safety net for survivors and reduce incidence levels. If there is any promise to defeat this silent pandemic, we must be guided by the expertise and institutional experiences of those who are working on the front lines, such as DVAC.

As DVAC celebrates their 30th anniversary this year, we pay tribute to an incredible legacy of visionary advocacy work to increase survivor safety while ensuring abuser accountability. Congratulations and many thanks to DVAC for three decades of service and leadership to end intimate partner violence. We are honored to be part of your shared journey.

Additional information for the 东精影业 community

Text Feature for Domestic Violence Action Center鈥檚 Helpline (state-wide)

Due to COVID-19, Domestic Violence Action Center鈥檚 Helpline has established a new number to respond to text messages from survivors. Helpline can provide support, risk assessment, safety planning, resources and referrals to Domestic Violence Action Center鈥檚 advocacy and legal services to survivors who may be unable to talk on the phone while in quarantine.

• If you鈥檙e unable to speak safely, you can text (605) 956-5680, to chat with a helpline specialist Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• If you鈥檇 prefer to speak to someone over the phone you can call helpline at (808) 531-3371 or toll free at (800) 690-6200 to speak to someone during these hours.
• If your partner does come home or walk in while you are talking to Helpline, text “STOP” and delete the text conversation so it cannot be discovered.
• On Helpline, a callers safety is priority, so all phone calls and chats are completely confidential.

For the first time in 26 years, the annual Men鈥檚 March Against Domestic Violence, which unifies thousands who walk the streets of downtown Honolulu, is being held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Throughout October, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month, the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM) is encouraging everyone to join them in the fight to end domestic violence. To amplify the message, they鈥檝e produced a public service announcement and a collection of videos featuring 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 administrators, JABSOM students, faculty, staff and local celebrities, who urge the public to reach out to those who may be victims and seek help.

“It (domestic violence) breaks everything about the person: their body, their mental and emotional state, their outlook on life. The worst part is that they feel they can never escape,” said Chaz Kuniyoshi, a second-year medical student who is part of JABSOM鈥檚 Domestic Violence Awareness Committee.

According to the committee, there has been an alarming rise in domestic violence and abuse cases internationally due to shelter-in-place mandates meant to curb the spread of the ongoing pandemic.

The PSA features several male 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 campus leaders, including: JABSOM Dean Jerris Hedges, Provost Michael Bruno, Athletics Director David Matlin, College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka, College of Education Dean Nathan Murata and Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge Dean Jonathan Osorio.

Local celebrities who make their pledge against domestic violence include: Ben Vegas, Billy V, Augie T, Josh Tatofi, Justin Cruz and more.

and find out how you can participate in the fight against domestic violence.

Get help now!

Domestic Violence Action Center
Oʻahu helpline: (808) 531-3771
Toll-free helpline: (800) 690-6200
New text line: (605) 956-5680

Participating in “talk-story” sessions over the course of several months may be an effective way to raise awareness about intimate partner violence, new research from the shows.

The study involved nearly 100 Leeward Coast male and female residents who participated in talk-story sessions over a six-month period. Results showed an increase in their awareness, knowledge and confidence to address intimate partner violence, and a decrease in how “acceptable” they found intimate partner violence to be.

During the study period, at least five women sought help or left unsafe situations.

“Many people in Hawaiʻi may not use conventional resources to prevent intimate partner violence because they face language or cultural barriers,“ said Lois Magnussen, emerita professor with the .

The researchers designed the sessions to promote informal, laid-back conversations. They wanted to create a space for participants to share their thoughts and listen to other people in ways that were comfortable and in line with their cultural values.

“In our study, we took the public health approach of starting by asking community members what they thought would be a good way to approach this problem in our communities, and they suggested the talk-story sessions,” said nursing Emerita Professor Jan Shoultz.

Over the course of five sessions, trained facilitators led small-group discussions on topics such as people’s perceptions of what actions may be defined as intimate partner violence, what steps individuals or communities can take to prevent intimate partner violence or to stop it once it has begun, and what resources are available in the community for people who need help.

“The goal of these sessions was to increase the ownership that community members felt for solving this problem and create safe spaces for people to discuss their views on intimate partner violence,” Shoultz said.

Kathryn L. Braun, professor in the in the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, was also a member of the research team.

—By Theresa Kreif

University of Hawaiʻi students, faculty, administrators, regents and coaches helped to raise awareness on October 4 alongside hundreds of fellow community members in the 24th annual Men鈥檚 March Against Violence. The march started at the state Capitol and ended at ʻIolani Palace.

“I want to participate in spreading the word, because I think a lot of the issue is about awareness,” said Kevin Card, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM) first-year medical student, “Doctors have the first-hand response to instances of domestic violence in the roles we play in our community. We want this problem to come to a halt.”

Each year in Hawaiʻi, about 50,000 women between the ages of 18 and 64 suffer from some form of domestic violence, and 东精影业鈥檚 own community has not been immune to the problem. Approximately 19 percent of 东精影业 students have experienced dating or domestic violence, according to the results of a groundbreaking survey by the university in the 10-campus system released earlier this year.

“The reason we鈥檙e doing this is to bring awareness to the community and to engage the men in the community to support women and avert violence, in particular interpersonal violence, which is a significant problem and often not discussed enough,” said Jerris Hedges, JABSOM dean. “So to bring a crowd out of over 1,000 people, mainly men, making a statement, it really is important to the community.”

Director David Matlin and numerous 东精影业 athletes and coaches participated in recent marches. Eran Ganot, head men鈥檚 basketball coach, participated in the march with wife Barb and daughter Zeza.

“This is my fourth march, and I鈥檝e been here for as many years,” Ganot said. “I鈥檝e marched every year with my staff, my players and my family. I march with my girls.”

A JABSOM video from the Men’s March

Go the the for more photos from the march.