The University of California (UC) system’s Task Force on Preventing and Responding to Sexual Violence and Sexual Assault released seven recommendations on Wednesday. The recommendations are intended to form the foundation of a system-wide model to address sexual misconduct on all UC campuses.

The report was presented for discussion at the UC Board of Regents meeting and covers revention, education, advocacy, and response and reporting. A second report, Phase II, will further define details on implementation.

The task force’s recommendations include the following:

• Create a consistent “response team” model at all campuses by January 2015
• Adopt systemwide investigation and adjudication standards by July 2015
• Develop a comprehensive training and education plan with timelines from fall 2014 to fall 2015
• Implement a comprehensive communication strategy to educate the community and raise awareness about UC programs by January 2015
• Establish an independent “confidential advocacy office” for sexual violence and sexual assault on each campus by January 2015
• Establish a comprehensive system-wide website with campus customization capabilities by January 2015
• Implement a standard data set system-wide by July 2015

While all 10 UC campuses currently have systems in place to educate, prevent and respond to sexual violence, the charge of the task force was to identify gaps and inconsistencies and recommend solutions. Earlier this year, the university broadened and clarified its policy against sexual violence and harassment, including domestic violence, stalking and date rape. The university adopted an affirmative consent standard that defines consent to sexual activity as unambiguous, voluntary, informed and revocable. The affirmative consent bill now on the governor’s desk mirrors that standard.

 

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