Elon Web site targets sexual assault

Mary Cunningham / Reporter

"One of the core institutional values of Elon is to respect the dignity, sanctity and freedom of every person in our academic community. By its very nature, sexual aggression violates this respect," said Smith Jackson, vice president and dean of student life, in the opening paragraph of Elon's sexual assault prevention and awareness Web site.

In light of sexual assault situations that occurred last year, this Web site was established last spring. Though brochures and pamphlets on sexual assault prevention were already available, having a Web site makes the information more accessible and open to everyone.

"It was created as an educational tool about sexual assault including assault, how and where to report, what happens when an assault is reported, possible outcomes and where to locate support services," said Scott Nelson, assistant dean of students. "It also makes the victim aware that their name is held in confidence."

The site includes definitions of assault, rape and date rape, myths about date rape, tips on how to avoid date rape and the various date rape drugs. Response options, campus policies and North Carolina laws, charges and local and national resources can also be found on the site.

On the home page is a letter from Jackson, explaining why the site exists and letting students know what they can do in case they find themselves in a threatening situation. According to Nelson, Jackson wanted to write the letter because he cares about the subject and wants to make sure students know that the faculty and staff care about their well-being.

"The largest benefit is that the site is open 24/7, it never closes and it is open to anyone with a computer," Nelson said. "A student does not have to worry if they lost their brochure at 2 a.m. or if they have to talk to someone and their situation will be known. They can sit in the privacy of their own room and read everything before deciding if they wish to speak with a staff member. It also gives the off-campus services if they want or need help but do not want Elon to know about it. This really allows students to be in control."

Nelson, along with Director of Student Activities Amy Jones and 2005 alumnus Zack Pund, worked together in creating the site. Jones did most of the research, pulling from books and the Web sites of various national organizations. Nelson also looked at other colleges' similar sites to help determine the look and feel of Elon's site. Pund helped with the research and the technical side of the site. Jackson worked with university relations to make sure the site was included into the official university site.

Last spring, the position of coordinator for personal health programs and community well-being was created. Leigh-Anne Royster was hired for this position. She manages the Web site and deals with all personal health programs. Royster and Chaplain Richard McBride conducted separate gender programs as part of New Student Orientation 2005.

Visit the site at www.elon.edu/e-web/students/saa.

Contact Mary Cunningham at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.