An estimated 20 percent of college women experience sexual assault or misconduct before they graduate.
The Global Women’s Institute (GWI) works to end violence against women and girls (VAWG) globally—that includes on its own and other college campus. GWI works with university staff to enhance efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assault on campus. By partnering with leading institutions across the country that are striving to take proactive measures and by bringing expert research and knowledge of best interventions, GWI is helping to create campus climates that are free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Non-traditional colleges, including commuter and two-year colleges, and institutions that traditionally serve minorities have unique needs in implementing programs to create safe campus. Similarly, underserved communities within universities such as minorities, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ+ persons also require tailored interventions. Using research to develop best practices, GWI is striving to address these needs.
GWI’s work builds on the active role the George Washington University (GW) played in the It's On Us campaign, which was the first White House-led nationwide effort to raise awareness about campus sexual assault. GWI has also hosted the Red Flag Campaign, which uses a bystander intervention strategy to address and prevent sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking on college campuses. The campaign encourages friends and other campus community members to say something when they see warning signs ("red flags") for sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking in a friend’s relationship.
As an active participant on the GW task force addressing campus sexual assault prevention and response, GWI co-chairs a sub-committee reviewing and strengthening response efforts at the university.
GWI staff members volunteer to work the Sexual Assault Response and Consultation (SARC) hotline. The SARC team is a 24/7 resource for any GW community member affected by sexual violence or relationship violence. SARC members receive special training about interpersonal violence, trauma, and community resources so that they can offer the most appropriate assistance to callers, providing them with immediate support and guiding them on possible paths forward.
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