Beazley is also keen on asking students to take care of each other. “I like to say, ‘If you were at this party, what would you do? Could you be a courageous bystander?’ We talk about what they could do differently,” she says. “Because when they decide, it’s social norming, and they don’t have this middle-aged lady them how to act, which doesn’t work.”
To view a trailer of “Welcome to the Party,” click here. (Warning: Has some explicit language.) For additional information, visit www.reelinsight.org.
WVU’s Sexual Assault Prevention Program Fast Facts
- The hour-long program is included in the school’s University 101 class. Every incoming freshman is required to take this course. Students must e
ither attend the “Welcome to the Party” session, or participate in an online module and take a test that follows it. Class size is about 25, although “Welcome to the Party” is also shown at fraternity and sorority houses and in theaters. - Two nurses on campus are assigned to handle sexual assault cases.
- The Well WVU Web site has a special section dedicated to this topic: http://well.wvu.edu/sexual_health_pages/contraception/sexual_assault. It also has a Web site dedicated to sexuality and contraception: http://well.wvu.edu/sexual_health_pages/contraception
How to Present This Material to Law Enforcement
“I lean a little more towards empathy and understanding,” says Beazley. “It’s got to be awfully difficult to be a law enforcement officer and see this happening over and over again. They may not understand just how quickly a situation can go south. Law enforcement officers aren’t necessarily going to show this film. I show it to them so they can see how it is happening. It mostly involves acquaintances (85 percent). Also, depending on how far along they are, I talk to them about the whole ‘fault’ thing.”
When a Victim Comes Forward
“The vast majority of students who come forward follow through with judicial, and we do expel,” says Beazley. “For many victims, that’s a commitment they are willing to make, even if they aren’t willing to do the criminal course. When a victim comes in, we explain realistically how the criminal justice system works. The idea of going down and talking to our judicial administrators and having an outcome in five or six weeks, knowing that they are going to be treated gently and fairly, that’s huge.”
