April 2025 is the 25th annual Sex Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and the University of Hawaiʻi is marking it with a series of events exploring healthy relationships and the effects of sexual violence with resources and support for survivors. The events will take place—in person and online—throughout April.

“This is an important time for our 东精影业 ʻohana to come together to stand with survivors and demand respect and safety for all,” said 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel. “These events also offer an opportunity for each of us to do our part by learning to recognize and prevent sexual abuse and how to build a community where everyone can thrive.”

Jessica Shaffer, a Co-Chair for the 东精影业 Commission on the Status of Women and a SAAM event organizer agrees, saying preventing sexual violence requires collective and individual action.

“Sadly, sexual violence impacts everyone: men, women, and folks beyond the binary, from keiki to k奴puna,” said Shaffer. ”The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network reports that over 400,000 Americans experience sexual assault every year.”

Upcoming SAAM programs

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Resource Fair
东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Campus Center, April 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

The fair is open to the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 community. Learn more about our wonderful on- and off-campus resources and take a stand against sexual violence. Swag, games, activities and valuable information will be available.

Sponsors: Confidential Ma虅noa Advocate, PAU Violence, Office of Title IX

Revenge Porn: Understanding Non-Consensual Pornography webinar
Online via zoom, April 24, 12–12:30 p.m.

During this information packed webinar, the Sex Abuse Treatment Center will discuss revenge porn, a form of digital abuse where sexually explicit photos are videos are shared without consent. 东精影业ees will learn about the revenge porn dynamics and how it intersects with stalking. This session will also explore enhancing protective factors to increase personal safety and support resources.

Sponsor: Office of Compliance, EEO, and Title IX, Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges

Sextortion: The Intersection between Sexual Violence & Technology webinar
Online via zoom, April 29, 12–12:30 p.m.

In this lunch-and-learn webinar, speakers from the Sex Abuse Treatment Center will break down sextortion, a serious crime that involves threats to distribute your private or sensitive material if you do not provide money, images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, etc. 东精影业ees will learn about the tactics and websites used in sextortion and what options and support are available to those experiencing misconduct.

Sponsor: Office of Compliance, EEO, and Title IX, Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges

Denim Day
All campuses, April 30

Wear denim in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Live.Pono.Love.Pono Podcast
, April 2025

Join Love Pono for several podcasts on “Silent No More: Art, Media, and Poetry in the Fight Against Sexual Assault.”

Sponsor: Love Pono, Leeward Community College

Pinwheel Garden Planting
Kauaʻi Community College Lawn between One Stop Center & Learning Resource Center, Date TBD

April is also Child Abuse Awareness Month. Join us as we will be “planting” a pinwheel garden on the lawn to raise awareness and prevent child abuse.

Sponsor: Kauaʻi Community College Title IX Office

Reach out

Given the subject matter, some SAAM events may be upsetting. Help is available, including support from Title IX Offices (not confidential) and Confidential Advocates.

• Reach out, make a report, find health services, contact a counselor, more

Additionally, the is a community resource that offers 24/7 hotline services.

While , every person plays a part in building a safe and welcoming 东精影业, free from sexual violence.

Previous 2025 SAAM events and organizers

东精影业 has already hosted a variety of related events including 鈥淪ip & Set Boundaries鈥� at Kauaʻi Community College, where participants learned to recognize, build and maintain healthy relationships with partners, friends, and family; the Leeward Community College鈥檚 Student Involvement Fair featured tabling by Love Pono, offering support resources and highlighting the intersection of alcohol use and sexual violence; and 东精影业 community members, including representatives from the 东精影业 Commission on the Status of Women, joined SAAM sign-waving events across Hawaiʻi on April 1.

The 东精影业 units participating in the SAAM events are the Kauaʻi CC Title IX Office, PAU Violence, Leeward CC Love Pono, the 东精影业 Commission on the Status of Women, the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Office of Title IX, the Confidential Ma虅noa Advocate and the 东精影业 Community College’s Office of Compliance, EEO, and Title IX.

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.

The majority of University of Hawaiʻi students feel safe from sexual harassment and gender based violence when on campus, according to the 2023 Sex Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey. The biennial survey of 东精影业鈥檚 10 campuses also found that dating or domestic violence is still the most common form of harassment/violence and that awareness of on-campus services and resources has increased dramatically since the first survey seven years ago.

Of 38,286 adult students attending 东精影业 campuses, 14.1% (5,398 students) completed the 20-minute long survey in early 2023 on campus environment, prevalence of sexual assault and violence, campus response and awareness of resources and reporting options.

The individual outcomes from each of the 10 campuses are available in the final survey results. In the aggregate, more than 63.4% of 东精影业 students feel safe when on campus, up from 57.5% from the first survey in 2017, considered the benchmark survey of the four surveys completed. The 2023 survey found 57% of students were aware of services and resources, a substantial increase from 40% in 2017. Furthermore, 57.8% of students rated the training 东精影业 offered “extremely or very useful” compared to 50.7% in 2017.

“We have work ahead on our paths to create campus environments free of harassment and violence so our students can fully focus on their education,” said 东精影业 President David Lassner. “We will continue to build on what we have accomplished in the last 10 years including the expansion of services like confidential resources, and greater awareness of those services. I am especially heartened that the 2023 survey shows that our students have greater trust in 东精影业 today compared to our first survey seven years ago.”

Survey results

Reports of sexual harassment and gender based violence are down slightly in 2023 compared to the 2019 and 2017 surveys (the 2021 survey results were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as the vast majority of courses were offered online, and most employees were teleworking). Students are asked about their experiences while enrolled, including incidents unrelated to their campus. According to the 2023 survey:

• Three of four specific areas edged down or held steady:
  • 10.2% of students reported dating or domestic violence (9.1% in 2021, 12.1% in 2019, 10.6% in 2017).
  • 5.5% reported stalking (3.6% in 2021, 6.1% in 2019, 6.0% in 2017).
  • 2.8% reported incidents of non-consensual sexual contact (1.3% in 2021, 2.9% in 2019, 2.8% in 2017).
• 7.8% reported sexual harassment (4.2% in 2021, 8.0% in 2019, 5.7% in 2017). The federal government expanded the examples of sexual harassment, which have been included in the 东精影业 biennial surveys since 2019.
• Offenders associated with 东精影业 decreased since 2017 (79.8% in 2023, 71.8% in 2021, 80.5% in 2019, 88.2% in 2017).

“The survey results provide important next steps for our campuses including targeted outreach to vulnerable populations and raising awareness and referrals to campus resources to better address dating and domestic violence,” said 东精影业 Office of Equity Assurance Director Jenn Rose. “Hopefully, these survey results also shine a bright light on issues prevalent across our society, not just college campuses. Greater awareness is critical addressing sexual harassment and gender base violence.”

These surveys are a national best practice and an important tool in creating and maintaining a safe and discrimination-free learning and working environment.The biennial survey was identified as a priority by 东精影业 in 2015 and mandated by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature in 2016 with the passage of Act 208. It has been administered every other year since 2017 with the first results released in 2018.

2018—Groundbreaking Sex Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey
2020—Results of student survey on sexual harassment, violence
2022—Students feel safer on 东精影业 campuses, according to student survey

The survey is the responsibility of the 东精影业 Office of Equity Assurance (OEA), whose duties include oversight of compliance with Title IX and the federal laws and for 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 and the 10-campus 东精影业 System. The survey was conducted by OmniTrak Group, Inc.

Student resources

There are several options available to students who may be victims of gender-based harassment or violence depending on the type of assistance needed.

On Campus

• 东精影业 Counseling resources by campus
• Confidential Title IX Services for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence
• Disability Services, including accommodations for individuals with learning, physical, psychiatric, and/or other disabilities
• Health Services

Off Campus

• For individuals experiencing sexual harassment or gender-based violence

For individuals experiencing food insecurity:

• 东精影业 Student Basic Needs resources

For individuals with varying needs, including housing insecurity, child and family support, mental health and substance abuse:

• 东精影业 Student Basic Needs resources

The University of Hawaiʻi is raising awareness during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a . The goal is to provide education about sexual assault, promote respect and inclusion, and build safer spaces at 东精影业鈥檚 10 campuses.

The webinar series begins April 3 and is coordinated by the Office of Equity Assurance, in collaboration with the Title IX Offices of all 10 东精影业 campuses, and the Community Colleges Office of Compliance, EEO/AA and Title IX.

“Please join us in raising public awareness on our campuses that sexual violence is a public health, human rights, and social justice issue, and engage in our prevention efforts to make our community safer and more inclusive for all,” said 东精影业 President David Lassner in a March 22 email to the 10-campus system encouraging 东精影业 community members to sign up for the webinars.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month webinar schedule

All webinars will be hosted on Zoom. Registration must be via your @hawaii.edu email account.

Monday, April 3: 1:30–3 p.m.
Being Part of the Solution: Sexual Violence Prevention, Strategies and Response (for Faculty and Staff)
Presented by the Sex Abuse Treatment Center and Hawaiʻi Sexual Assault Response and Training

Tuesday, April 4: 3–4:30 p.m.
The Hardest Conversations: Telling Loved Ones about Sexual Assault Experiences
Presented by Sara Vogel, EdD, Title IX Coordinator, Hawaiʻi Community College

Tuesday, April 11: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Beyond Mandatory Reporting: Responding to Disclosures in the Classroom
Presented by Leslie Cabingabang, Senior Confidential Advocate, University of Hawaiʻi System; Ashley Nelson and Krisofer Teves – Graduate Students with the Thompson School of Social Work

Wednesday, April 19: 12–1 p.m.
Understanding the Dynamics of Sexual Assault
Presented by Amber Barbieri & Melia Schneck, YWCA Kauaʻi Crisis Services

Monday, April 24: 3–4:30 p.m.
Being Part of the Solution: Sexual Violence Prevention, Strategies and Response (for Students)
Presented by the Sex Abuse Treatment Center and Hawaiʻi Sexual Assault Response and Training

Thursday, April 27: 12–1 p.m.
Missing and Murdered Native Hawaiian Women and Girls Report
Presented by Nikki Cristobal, PhD, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kam膩waelualani

Given the subject matter, some of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month webinars may be emotionally upsetting. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Please contact a confidential resource.

Observed annually in April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month acknowledges that there is a need for both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment and abuse. It was first observed nationally in April 2001. In 2009, President Barack Obama officially as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The University of Hawaiʻi is asking all students, faculty, staff and administrators to participate in free online training for sexual assault prevention. 东精影业 employees were asked to participate in a second free online training on workplace violence prevention and awareness.

“东精影业 is committed to ensuring that everyone understands the resources available, preventing sex discrimination wherever possible, supporting those who report experiencing violence or discrimination and conducting fair, transparent and safe grievance processes for all parties,” said 东精影业 President David Lassner in emails to students and employees. “Even with growing awareness, issues of workplace conduct, sex discrimination and other forms of harassment and violence are still common on college campuses nationwide.”

A link or links to the free online training were sent to students and employees via email from “Vector Solutions Online Training,” sent on behalf of the 东精影业 System Office of Institutional Equity and the 东精影业 System Office of Human Resources. Everyone is asked to check their spam folder if they did not receive the email.

东精影业 students and employees who have experienced sexual harassment or any other form of sex and gender-based discrimination or who find the training content upsetting can connect with the resources that are available to best support them.

More information on confidential resources, campus Title IX Coordinators, applicable non-discrimination policies and guidance, and online Title IX training can be found at .

The University of Hawaiʻi continues to honor its commitment to foster supportive campuses where students feel safe from sexual harassment and gender-based violence. To help the university improve how and where resources are focused, 东精影业 is encouraging students to participate in an online survey by February 24, 2023.

• More information on the 东精影业 Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey

“东精影业 is committed to achieving a safe and supportive environment in which you can achieve academic success and personal growth,” 东精影业 President David Lassner said in a message to students at all 10 东精影业 campuses. “We have made significant progress in addressing domestic and gender-based violence across our campuses over the past years. We are now requesting your input to help us do better.”

Students 18 years and older are eligible to take the confidential, voluntary 东精影业 Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey. The survey is easily accessible online through a hawaii.edu email received on January 24, 2023 titled #BeHeard东精影业: Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey. The 20-minute survey will ask students about:

• Their campus environment related to sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
• How well students believe the 东精影业 community responds to and addresses their concerns.
• Their awareness of resources and reporting options for those experiencing sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and interpersonal violence (domestic and dating violence).
• Prevalence (e.g., how widespread) and incidence (e.g., how often) of sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and interpersonal violence on the campuses.

Those who participate are asked to encourage their fellow students to also take the survey, promote #BeHeard东精影业 and urge everyone to speak up about sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

National best practice

The survey, considered a national best practice, was first identified as a priority by 东精影业 in 2015 and was then mandated by the Hawaiʻi State legislature as part of Act 208 in 2016. It has been administered every other year since 2017 with the first survey results released in 2018.

Data from the survey will also be used to inform 东精影业 about marginalized groups on the different campuses and their varying levels of risk, and will address the needs of these students. It is also used to measure how each campus is doing in addressing problem areas revealed in previous surveys.

According to the last survey in 2021, students in the 东精影业 10-campus system felt safer overall from sexual harassment and gender-based violence. About 17% of 40,122 adult students completed the 2021 survey, the highest response rate in 东精影业鈥檚 three biennial campus surveys, even with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey is coordinated by the 东精影业 Office of Institutional Equity and conducted by OmniTrak Group, Inc with consultant researchers, Professors Sandra L. Martin and Bonnie S. Fisher, who consulted on the Association of American Universities 2015 Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct.

Resources for victims

There are several options available to victims of gender-based harassment or violence depending on the type of assistance wanted.

• Those who do not want to make a formal report yet may contact a confidential resource on their campus to explore their options and receive services:
• To make a formal report, please contact your campus Title IX coordinator:
• To seek help off campus, please contact a community resource in your area: /titleix/help/community-resources/

Students at the University of Hawaiʻi 10-campus system feel safer overall from sexual harassment and gender-based violence, according to the latest and third biennial Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey.

• 2021 东精影业 SSex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey Report
• 2021 Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey Report Highlights

About 17% of 40,122 adult students completed the survey, the highest response rate in 东精影业鈥檚 three biennial surveys, even with the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey asked students about their experience while enrolled at 东精影业. Specifically during the fall 2020 semester and the first two months of the spring 2021 semester, four out of five students reported less in-person contact at the time of the survey as the majority of courses were online due to COVID-19.

The key findings of the 2021 survey include:

• Gender-based violence and harassment prevalence has decreased since the previous survey across all categories: Sexual Harassment, Stalking, Dating & Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence, and Non-Consensual Sexual Contact.
• Overall perceived risk at 东精影业 for sexual assault/harassment is down, 2.9% in 2021 and 2019 compared to 3.4% in 2017.
• Students had greater awareness of Title IX resources (82%), and 57% of students were aware of their Title IX Coordinator (up from 55% in 2019).
• More students than in the previous survey have found Title IX training extremely or very useful: 61% (up from 59% in 2019 and 51% in 2017).
• Risk factors/vulnerable groups (Transgender/Genderqueer/Questioning or Non-conforming students; female/women students; students with disabilities; LGBTQ+/abbr> students) remain consistent with past 东精影业 surveys and nationwide trends.
• The majority of student bystanders took action in two of three gender violence scenarios:
  • 76.4% of students say they intervened when they suspected a friend was sexually assaulted;
  • 53.6% say they intervened when they witnessed a drunk person heading for a sexual encounter; and,
  • 42% said they intervened when witnessing sexually violent or harassing behavior.

“Though these findings are very encouraging, especially the decrease in cases and greater awareness of student resources, we still have room for improvement and work to do to provide safer discrimination-free campuses,” said 东精影业 President David Lassner. “I am confident that each campus will utilize the more granular data to increase awareness of rights and resources and develop other programs to improve their campus environments.”

The 2021 student survey is helping 东精影业 campuses assess the effectiveness and update the action plans developed by the individual campuses after the inaugural 2017 survey and 2019 survey. Regularly surveying students about sexual harassment and gender-based violence is considered a national best practice, and 东精影业 was among the first in the nation to survey an entire university system. The Hawaiʻi-based OmniTrak Group Inc. conducted the survey.

Former National Women鈥檚 Soccer League (NWSL) players including Meleana Shim, a third-year law student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa , came forward with allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against their former coach Paul Riley, alleging institutional failure. Riley was Shim鈥檚 coach for two seasons in Portland 2014–15.

Shim鈥檚 story has become part of a catalyst for institutional change, including the NWSL adopting anti-harassment policies in April 2021. Riley was fired as head coach of the North Carolina Courage soccer team after Shim shared her story publicly with the news outlet The Athletic this fall and her story continues to spark national outcry for better protection of women in sports.

“I want a few things—first, prioritize the players and elevate their voices,” said Shim. “When players tell you something is wrong, listen to them and protect them. It鈥檚 simple. Next, I want more robust policies.”

After six seasons in the NWSL, five in Portland and one in Houston, Shim last played for the league in 2019 before starting at 东精影业 law school.

Sparking passion for policy, justice

Shim鈥檚 experiences in professional soccer spurred her to pursue her law degree. She also credits 东精影业 Mānoa law professor Mari Matsuda as an instrumental player in influencing her decision to come forward and share her story. Law school has helped spark Shim鈥檚 passion for policy work around high school and college sports, and addressing the culture of sexual harassment and abuse. One of the main reasons she decided to go public with her story was hearing about other players with similar experiences.

“It infuriated me that Riley was still coaching in the league,” said Shim. “Another element that I wanted to shed light on was how the system failed me when I did the right thing and reported him in 2015. I knew things needed to change and in order to do it, we had to break the silence.”

For more than a year, Shim worked with a team of two players (Alex Morgan and Sinead Farrelly), attorneys and a strategic communications team, to draft the current policy. They met voluntarily, independent of the NWSL, for months and brainstormed the best way to address this systemic problem.

“I am relieved Paul Riley is no longer coaching in the league. I am optimistic about the future of women鈥檚 professional soccer in this country,” said Shim. “I am very aware and concerned about the scale of this problem. I have heard from numerous women who have similar stories to ours and it鈥檚 heartbreaking and infuriating that we just accept this as part of the culture. We have a lot of work to do and I hope sharing my story helps bring about real change.”

The 东精影业 law school issued a statement of support for Shim saying, “It is through the courage and steadfastness of people like Meleana (Mana) Shim who, through their courage and fortitude, expose these abuses by coming forward and speaking out鈥攖hey make the world a better place through their words, deeds and actions. Mana鈥檚 leadership in athletics, on and off the field, is exemplary and is forging a better, and safer, path for all athletes, especially, women in soccer. We join so many people in the sporting world and beyond in recognizing her bravery and leadership.”

.

Future investigations

Finally, there are a few investigations pending and Shim wants transparency around the findings. Knowing how and where things went wrong is critical to fix the systemic problem, and it is an important step in rebuilding trust within the league. Shim believes everyone involved in the NWSL needs to acknowledge this problem and take part in fixing it, which can only be done through education and open dialogue.

“To every person and player who has experienced sexual violence—you are not alone,” added Shim. “It sounds really cliché, but too often players think they are the only one and it is somehow their fault. We know that perpetrators have patterns and there are more of us than we think. Also, be brave and let go of the shame, because this is not your fault. Being brave can mean asking for help or standing up to someone. Finally, reach out to someone you trust. We have your back.”

This message was shared with the faculty, staff and students of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on March 30, 2020.

Aloha University of Hawaiʻi students:

As we all come to terms with the many changes and the disruption of connections and routines that sustain and comfort us, we want to reach out and remind you that we are here for you. The university remains committed to maintaining communities and campus environments free from sex discrimination and gender-based violence.

We are aware that people who are surviving violence may be experiencing increased isolation and danger caused by confinement, economic stress and health insecurity. Our Title IX resources, mental health and counseling services, and community advocacy and legal services are working to continue our support for students and employees.

Many coordinators and on-campus and off-campus services are offering remote meetings and appointments, online or by phone, and some remain on campus for in-person assistance. We encourage you to contact services by email or by phone to make an appointment. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

Contact information for all campus Title IX team members and on- and off-campus resources can be found at the 东精影业 System Title IX website.

Important reminders:

1. Making a report: Student and employees impacted by sex discrimination are encouraged to contact their Title IX coordinator to make a report. Complaint processing, investigations and interim measures, will continue to ensure that any type of discriminatory behavior is addressed promptly.
2. Behaviors, persons and places covered by 东精影业 policy: The University of Hawaiʻi Policies and Procedures relevant to Sex Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence include behaviors that occur between students, faculty, staff, and third parties. This applies to online and virtual misconduct. Any behavior that is prohibited by policy is also prohibited in cyber-forms, including cyber-harassment, cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking. Each person is expected to engage in non-discriminatory and respectful behavior during online classes and meetings just as they would be expected to if they were in class or a meeting physically.
3. Responsible employees: Faculty and staff members who are designated as Responsible Employees under 东精影业 Policy and Procedure on Sex Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence are reminded that reporting of alleged gender-based and sexual misconduct is expected within 3 calendar days of the moment they become aware of incidents or allegations involving behavior that potentially violates 东精影业 sex discrimination policy, regardless of how they learn of the potential misconduct, whether in person, in writing or online. Students should be aware that disclosures made to faculty members and other employees designated as Responsible Employees cannot be kept confidential. Access confidential advice and guidance at Confidential Resources.
4. Legal services in the community: Please be aware that all essential court proceedings, including restraining order and protective order hearings, are still occuring. For assistance with or information on legal proceedings, please contact your local community service providers. More information from the .

All referenced resources including confidential resource information, Title IX Coordinator contact information, 东精影业 non-discrimination policies and guidance, and online Title IX training can be found at the .

Stay safe and be well!

The Office of Institutional Equity
institutional.equity@hawaii.edu

University of Hawaiʻi students, faculty and staff are invited to take part in a university-wide effort to educate the 东精影业 community on sex discrimination and gender-based violence.

The university is offering a free, online training program designed to assist community members in understanding their rights under the law and the University Policy & Procedure on Sex Discrimination & Gender-Based Violence. The training will be accessible via an invite sent to hawaii.edu email addresses.

More information on the online training available in the Employee FAQs and Student FAQs.

Everyone is also encouraged to explore and familiarize themselves with the resources on the 东精影业 System Title IX and Office of Institutional Equity website.

鈥淭he issue of sex discrimination and gender violence is prevalent on college campuses nationwide, and 东精影业 is working to continue the progress already made toward addressing these issues on our campuses,鈥� said 东精影业 President David Lassner. 鈥淪tudents as well as our entire community have important roles to play by being aware of the issues, watching out for one another and reporting violations.鈥�

Some of the materials covered in the training course may remind participants of upsetting experiences that they or someone they know have gone through. The training can be stopped at any time, and there are many university and community resources for support, such as counseling, victim advocacy and legal support.

For anyone experiencing intimate partner violence or any other type of sexual harassment or gender violence, please know that free, confidential help is available through the following resources:

• Campus Title IX Coordinators
• Confidential Resources
• 东精影业 System Title IX and Office of Institutional Equity

One out of five University of Hawaiʻi students reported experiencing dating/domestic violence. It鈥檚 just one of the findings from the 2017 online survey of 东精影业 students on sexual harassment and gender-based violence, and the university is asking students to participate in a follow up online survey from January 22 to February 22, 2019.

• 东精影业 Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey
• More information on the survey

Student perspectives are critical when it comes to the university appropriately addressing sexual harassment and gender-based issues. The 2017 survey results led to expanded efforts to provide support for victims of dating and domestic violence.

“To better understand our campus environments and how the university鈥檚 policies, programs and resources have affected your educational experience at 东精影业, I urge all students to complete the survey,” said 东精影业 President . “Your participation is critical to our efforts in continuing to create and sustain a path for your success at 东精影业.”

Those who participate are asked to encourage their fellow students to take the survey, promote #BeHeardUH and urge everyone to speak up about sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

Current 东精影业 students 18 years and older are eligible to take the confidential, voluntary 东精影业 Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey, which is easily accessible online through a hawaii.edu email they received on January 22 titled #BeHeardUH: Survey on Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence on personal computers and mobile devices. The 20-minute survey will ask students about:

• Their campus environment related to sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
• How well students believe the 东精影业 community responds to and addresses their concerns.
• Their awareness of resources and reporting options for those experiencing sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and interpersonal violence (domestic and dating violence).
• Prevalence (e.g., how widespread) and incidence (e.g., how often) of sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and interpersonal violence on the campuses.

Data from the survey will also be used to inform 东精影业 about marginalized groups on the different campuses and their varying levels of risk, and will address the needs of these students.

The survey is coordinated by the 东精影业 Office of Institutional Equity and conducted by OmniTrak Group, Inc with consultant researchers, Professors Sandra L. Martin and Bonnie S. Fisher, who consulted on the Association of American Universities 2015 Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct.

alumna Karen Kelsky, a prominent figure in the national #MeToo movement, returned to the Mānoa campus in October 2018, to give a presentation on sexual harassment in higher education. Kelsky, who earned her PhD in anthropology at 东精影业 Mānoa in 1996, set up a public online survey on sexual harassment in institutions of higher learning when the movement started, and the response was overwhelming, receiving about 2,500 entries in six weeks.

Kelsky has since been traveling the country, speaking out on issues of sexual assault in academia, with a focus on empowering victims and training people in leadership.

“The most important thing is constant trainings and education that is mandatory and that also involves role play,” said Kelsky in an exclusive interview with 东精影业 News, where she said role playing is key. “So that people who are are in vulnerable positions can really start to practice setting healthy boundaries and identifying problematic behaviors, when it is small, because perpetrators groom their victims.”

Kelsky is a columnist for the Chronicle of Higher Education and author of . She is the founder of , a consultancy for academics on the job market.

Her appearance on the Mānoa campus was sponsored by the 东精影业 Mānoa Better Tomorrow Speaker Series, Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women, the 东精影业 Mānoa Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, 东精影业 Office of Institutional Equity, 东精影业 Alumni Relations, 东精影业 West Oʻahu, 东精影业 Mānoa anthropology, American studies and women鈥檚 studies departments, 东精影业 Mānoa Campus Climate Committee, 东精影业 Mānoa College of Social Sciences and the 东精影业 Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law.

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.

The takes seriously its responsibility to create a safe environment on campus with zero tolerance for sexual harassment and assault. In support of this commitment, the 东精影业 Hilo (OEO) has a new program called Confidential Advocacy and Prevention Education (CAPE), which focuses on strengthening resources, awareness and preventative measures about sexual harassment and assault.

东精影业 Hilo’s commitment to a safe environment is backed by a (PDF) that specifically addresses sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Unfortunately, the issues of sex assault and gender-based violence are prevalent on college campuses nationwide.

CAPE is headed by Destiny Rodriguez, one of the first students to graduate from 东精影业 Hilo with a bachelor of arts in gender and women鈥檚 studies. Constantly pursuing her passion, she became an administrative assistant with the campus鈥檚 OEO after graduation.

She now serves as a confidential advocate in the OEO, where she works with students, faculty, and staff to help them understand their rights, and the options and resources available to them. Because Rodriguez is a confidential resource, she is not required to report information to university administration.

Advocacy, Rodriguez says, is “making sure that students have a voice. Often times in gender-based violence that voice is taken from them, that power is taken from them, and so, how do we give that back?”

CAPE is hosting a Treasure Hunt on Thursday, April 26, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Campus Center Plaza. Participants can learn about healthy relationships and signs of unhealthy relationships. This event is open to all 东精影业 Hilo students with a valid student ID. Refreshments, provided by the Student Activities Council, will be offered while supplies last. This event is in collaboration with the Women鈥檚 Center.

For more information, .

Read more about CAPE at .

—A by Mikayla Toninato, a junior completing a semester at 东精影业 Hilo through the National Student Exchange program

The University of Hawaiʻi released the results of a groundbreaking sex-based discrimination and harassment student survey. Nationally it is one of the first known surveys of college students to explore intimate partner violence and is the first known survey of students in a university system that includes both four- and two-year degree campuses. Another important element that makes the survey unique and comprehensive is that it asked students about their experiences both on and off campus.

• Read the survey results
• Download the highlights from the 2017 survey (PDF)

More than 6,300 students, or 14.1 percent of 东精影业鈥檚 approximately 44,000 adult students participated. The 261-page survey report provides data on each of the 10 东精影业 campuses. The survey consisted of 125 questions that covered four areas: prevalence of sexual harassment and gender-based violence, student assessment of the university鈥檚 response, student perceptions of campus safety and student awareness of policies, processes and programs.

“This survey is the latest step we have taken to further our commitment to ensure safe and respectful campus environments,” said 东精影业 President . “The majority of students who participated said they felt the survey was valuable for developing campus policies, which is helpful because students鈥� continued engagement is critical. Together with the findings, student feedback will help 东精影业 determine where to dedicate our resources and efforts moving forward.”

• 东精影业 and community resources

Students feel safe

The survey showed that a vast majority of students generally felt safe and did not see themselves as being at personal risk either on campus or at off-campus 东精影业 sponsored events. When asked about the likelihood of experiencing sexual harassment or assault in those environments, 85.3 percent said they felt the likelihood was “little” or “not at all.”

Large majorities of survey participants who contacted 东精影业 resources after experiencing sexual harassment or gender-based violence saw their interaction as “very” and “extremely” useful. For instance, when participants were asked about the most-recent interactions with campus resources after they had experienced sexual harassment, 95.8 percent of those interactions were rated as either very or extremely useful in helping the participant deal with the experience. Among all participants, there was a confidence that if they needed to contact campus officials, they would be treated with respect and their privacy and safety would be protected.

Intimate partner violence among key findings

One of the key findings is the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV), also known as dating or domestic violence, with 19.1 percent of the participants who were in a partnered relationship at anytime while enrolled at 东精影业 reported experiencing IPV. Additionally, 10 percent say they experienced stalking or sexual harassment and 6.3 percent reported nonconsensual sexual contact. Thirty one percent of those who responded report having experienced at least one incident of IPV, stalking, sexual harassment and/or nonconsensual sexual contact, on and off campus, while enrolled as a 东精影业 student.

“We aren鈥檛 surprised by prevalence and incidence rate of domestic violence in the 东精影业 survey,” said Nanci Kreidman, CEO. “They reflect a larger societal problem. These numbers track the community and global statistics and 东精影业 doesn鈥檛 exist in a vacuum. The incidence rates also track what we know for women aged 18–24.”

Lassner sent a message to students announcing the survey results and encouraged all victims to seek help and to utilize services available.

• Read the letter

“The message that we will continue to repeat to our students is that help is available,” said Jennifer Rose, director of the 东精影业 Office of Institutional Equity, which is responsible for the survey. “If you are a victim of sexual harassment or gender violence, campus services are here for you and community resources are readily available.”

Rose also stressed that someone who witnesses or knows someone experiencing harassment or violence, can also access the available services.

“Ultimately, we want students to feel safe in coming forward鈥攚hether to utilize confidential resources or to make a report,” said Rose. “Everyone has a part to play in making our campuses free from sex discrimination鈥攖hat includes trained campus staff and relevant community partners.”

Next steps

Each campus and the 东精影业 System are now reviewing the results and will develop action plans that will be implemented in 2018. The results will also be used to establish a baseline with the next survey scheduled in 2019.

The data will be used to assess the university鈥檚 progress and to guide policy, training and initiatives to meet the university鈥檚 obligations under the Violence Against Women Act and Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sexual discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal funding.

Survey information

The survey was conducted by OmniTrak Group Inc. from January 20 to February 20, 2017, with consultation from nationally-renowned subject matter experts Professor Sandra L. Martin and Professor Bonnie S. Fisher who consulted on the Association of American Universities 2015 Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct. Considered a national best practice, the survey was one of the many steps identified and pursued by the university to strengthen its Title IX response and support services. It received widespread support from state lawmakers and was mandated by the legislature through Act 208 in 2016.

The survey cost $173,824.00 was paid for with general funds appropriated by the legislature for the 东精影业 Office of Institutional Equity.

Aloha to all our 东精影业 students, and welcome (back) to campus!

In spring 2017, more than 6,300 of our 44,000 students from the 10 东精影业 campuses, participated in a survey that asked about experiences with sexual harassment and gender-based violence on and off campus. While this was not connected to the #metoo movement, completion of the analysis is particularly timely now. I encourage everyone to take the time to review the results as they provide insight into issues that may have either impacted you directly, or someone you know.

/titleix/climate-survey/results/

The survey results will be used by the individual campuses to form action plans that address the identified needs. Importantly, these results will also provide a baseline for assessing the university鈥檚 progress with follow-up surveys scheduled every two years.

One thing that stood out in the inaugural survey is the prevalence of intimate partner violence, also known as dating or domestic violence: 19.1 percent of respondents who were in a partnered relationship at anytime while enrolled at 东精影业 reported experiencing intimate partner violence.

If you are a victim of intimate partner violence or any other type of sexual harassment or gender-based violence, please know that the following help is available, including on a confidential basis.

Confidential Resources
/titleix/confidential/

东精影业 System Title IX and Office of Institutional Equity Website
/titleix/

Campus Title IX Coordinators

东精影业 is committed to ensuring safe and respectful campus environments. Students as well as our entire community have important roles to play by being aware of the issues, watching out for one another and reporting violations. I encourage everyone, if you have not already, to take the free, online Title IX training for students.
/titleix/lawroom/students

Training for employees is available at:
/titleix/lawroom/employees

We have made significant strides in addressing these issues over the past several years, but our goal is campus life free of sexual harassment and gender-based violence and we have even more to do.

Please enjoy a safe and successful academic year!

David Lassner
东精影业 President

April is , and as part of a at the , a flag display has been set up on the lawn outside the University Classroom Building to give the campus a visual of national assault statistics if applied to the 东精影业 Hilo student population.

“Although much of the 东精影业 Hilo community may know the statistics surrounding sexual assault, we feel a visual display can also be quite effective in getting the message across,” says Destiny Rodriguez, a educator and confidential advocate at the 东精影业 Hilo 听(翱贰翱).

For the display, national statistics were applied to the population of 东精影业 Hilo students to arrive at possible statistics within that population. The national numbers are alarming.

According to the , statistics show that one in five women and one in 16 men have been or will be sexually assaulted while in college. Additionally, conducted a study that showed 12 percent of college students identify as LGBTQ+, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that one in three LGBTQ+ individuals have been or will be sexually assaulted while in college.

Based on these statistics and the number of women and men enrolled at 东精影业 Hilo this semester, Rodriguez calculated how many men, women and LGBTQ+ individuals may have been or may be sexually assaulted while in college.

“Although these numbers are alarming, and not specified in the display, it is important to be aware that 427 women, 86 men and 139 LGBTQ+ individuals could be or have been sexually assaulted while in college,” she explains. “The display indicates these categories by using teal, blue, and purple flags representing women, men and LGBTQ+ individuals, respectively.”

For more, read the full article at .

—By Susan Enright

University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner shared a message on February 24 to students, faculty and staff of the 东精影业 campuses.

To our 东精影业 System ʻohana:

Earlier this week the federal government reversed the previous guidance issued to schools, colleges and universities regarding Title IX protection for transgender students. Regardless of what the federal government compels nationwide through compliance requirements, 东精影业 remains steadfast in our commitment to nondiscrimination and prevention of sexual harassment, including protections for transgender, gender non-conforming and LGBTQ+ individuals.

The University of Hawaiʻi initiated our program of protections for our LGBTQ+ community before the initial federal guidance, and our protections remain in place across the UH System regardless of this federal action. Our commitment includes but is not limited to: access to learning environments that are free of discrimination, bullying and harassment; access to restrooms and changing facilities and use of preferred names on university records and IDs.

I am grateful to our 东精影业 Systemwide LGBTQ+ Commission, which provides thoughtful and consistent advice and guidance as we work to ensure appropriate protections and support for all members of the UH community.

If you seek additional information or assistance please contact your or the : (808) 956-9250 or lgbtq@hawaii.edu

David Lassner, President
University of Hawaiʻi System

On September 1, 2015, President David Lassner authorized an updated executive policy on sex discrimination and gender-based violence. The policy is interim while the university continues to consult with various stakeholders, including the exclusive collective bargaining representatives of 东精影业’s faculty and staff. The interim policy establishes systemwide standards and procedures that ensure a consistent institutional response across the 10 东精影业 campuses; clarifies the types of conduct prohibited by the university; and identifies how and from whom students, faculty and staff can seek confidential support or report incidents of sex discrimination and gender-based violence.

To assist with the implementation of the interim policy, the university has launched the (OIE). OIE will build the foundation for a safe, nonviolent and non-discriminatory community for students, faculty and staff. The office will be primarily responsible for overseeing the university’s initiatives on Title IX, a legacy of the late Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

“This has been a priority of my administration ever since I started serving as the interim president,” said 东精影业 President Lassner. “This is not solely about compliance. It’s about doing the right thing and standing behind it. We need to thank the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, and the Women’s Legislative Caucus in particular, for their critical role in investing in the university to maintain the highest standards of prevention, response and reporting.”

Along with the opening of OIE, 东精影业 is also unveiling its new Title IX and OIE website at . The website provides information on campus, local and national resources regarding sexual violence, stalking, domestic violence, dating violence and other forms of sex discrimination as well as , the university’s recently updated policy which will help to establish best practices for responding to sexual violence, sex and gender-based discrimination, domestic and dating violence, stalking and retaliation on every campus.

President Lassner’s letter to the 东精影业 ʻohana

Dear University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana,

One of my highest priorities has been to ensure that all of our campuses maintain and promote safe and respectful environments for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. To that end, as we celebrate the start of the fall 2015 semester, I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) at the 东精影业 System. This office will build upon or our foundation and commitment to provide a safe, nonviolent and non-discriminatory community for students, faculty, staff and visitors across the 10 东精影业 campuses and our community based learning centers. It will be primarily responsible for overseeing the Federal legislation governing Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), as well as collaboratively establishing system-wide best practices for responding to sexual violence, sex and gender-based discrimination, domestic and dating violence, stalking and retaliation.

We are also unveiling the 东精影业 System Title IX and OIE website at . The new website provides campus, local and national resources and information for students, faculty and staff regarding sexual violence, stalking, domestic violence, dating violence and other forms of sex discrimination.

Finally, I have just approved an updated Interim Executive Policy EP 1.204, which expands on the University of Hawaiʻi’s existing policy and procedure on sex discrimination and gender based violence. It is an interim policy as we continue to work with the respective exclusive collective bargaining representatives who represent our valued faculty and staff to meet our compliance, contractual and statutory obligations. And while this interim policy is the result of a collaborative effort by many university and community stakeholders, we will continue to seek feedback from students, staff and community groups as we work toward its finalization. Some of the highlights of the interim policy are:

• Establishes systemwide standards and procedures that ensure a consistent institutional response across the 10 东精影业 campuses;
• Clarifies the types of conduct prohibited by the university; and
• Identifies how and from whom students, faculty and staff can seek confidential support or report incidents of sex discrimination and gender-based violence.

Interim EP 1.204, as well as other information designed to support our university community, will be available on the University of Hawaiʻi System website at .

The University of Hawaiʻi is deeply committed to preventing sex discrimination, sexual violence, stalking and domestic and dating violence, If you have any questions or concerns about these prohibited behaviors, I encourage you to contact your respective campus Title IX coordinator. For confidential resources, go to .

In the coming months, you will hear more information about the evolution of our policies and other resources and efforts to ensure campus safety.

Best regards,
David Lassner
President

The has taken a key step in expanding its sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention programs by hiring a dedicated Title IX Coordinator. Dee Uwono will oversee the university’s response to all Title IX complaints, which includes resolving Title IX disputes, and providing training to prevent discrimination on the basis of sex.

Uwono established 东精影业 Mānoa’s and led it as director from November 2007 to August 2014. In that capacity, she served as lead investigator for all Title IX and other discrimination cases filed by students. Uwono has also trained and coordinated the training of Title IX coordinators across the 10 campuses of the 东精影业 System, served on the 东精影业 Mānoa Title IX Steering Committee, and is currently a member of the president’s Title IX Steering Committee.

From September 2014 to April 2015, Uwono was appointed interim dean of students at , where she was the Title IX deputy coordinator for students.

The will report directly to Mānoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman.

“We are pleased that Dee will lead the Title IX Office during this critical time in the development of our program,” said Bley-Vroman. “Her appointment demonstrates our commitment to creating a safe and nondiscriminatory learning environment, where students, faculty, staff and visitors know how to get help if they need it.”

Said Uwono, “I look forward to implementing a system that ensures reports and complaints are handled consistently, fairly and efficiently, and to coordinate effectively with advocacy groups, service providers, public safety and local law enforcement representatives.”

Uwono earned her doctor of education degree in educational leadership at the , Rossier School of Education in 2010. She holds a masters in educational administration and a BA in zoology from 东精影业 Mānoa.

Uwono’s hire comes as the University of Hawaiʻi System recently announced an update to its sexual assault and harassment policy (). The February 2015 policy update reaffirms 东精影业’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment across all campuses and having zero tolerance for gender violence and harassment.