On the recordApril 3, 2019
As I mentioned, 25 percent of female students on campus have experienced sexual assault, yet less than 10 percent of college students who experience sexual violence report their assaults. For many survivors, reporting a sexual assault is an incredibly traumatic process that forces them to repeatedly relive the worst days or nights of their lives. More than just traumatic, reporting can be dangerous or detrimental to one's social status, academic pursuits, or career prospects. Knowing that 90 percent of students feel uncomfortable with the current reporting process, my amendment would give colleges and universities the opportunity to use grant funding to offer alternative justice response programs. These programs allow for a nonpunitive response to objectionable conduct, seek accountability from the accused, provide alternative pathways for justice and healing for survivors, and give an opportunity for education and behavioral change. Research has shown that alternative justice programs, which return autonomy and control to survivors, can lessen PTSD symptoms. Working toward justice and healing are not always linear processes, and this amendment would allow for the complex experiences of survivors to be respected and supported. Mr. Chair, I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
