Folsom to U.S. Senate: To prevent sexual assaults, change campus cultures

Darcie Folsom, director of sexual violence prevention and advocacy, center, with U.S. Senators Blumenthal, left, and McCaskill. Folsom was in Washington to participate in a roundtable discussion about preventing and responding to sexual assaults on college campuses.
Darcie Folsom, director of sexual violence prevention and advocacy, center, with U.S. Senators Blumenthal, left, and McCaskill. Folsom was in Washington to participate in a roundtable discussion about preventing and responding to sexual assaults on college campuses.

Bringing to Washington a strong message about sexual respect, Connecticut College’s Director of Sexual Violence Prevention and Advocacy Darcie Folsom participated today in a U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs roundtable discussion, "Campus Sexual Assault: The Administrative Process and the Criminal Justice System."

The roundtable brought together law enforcement officers, prosecutors and representatives from several colleges and universities across the country to discuss challenges and best practices with lawmakers.

Folsom spoke about the value of building a campus culture where people are constantly talking about sexual assault prevention.

“It takes time. It’s not an overnight process, but it’s doable,” she said.

Folsom was invited to participate in the discussion by U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill at the recommendation of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who was impressed with Connecticut College’s proactive approach to sexual assault prevention when he visited campus in April. He was on campus to discuss the issue with President Katherine Bergeron, students, faculty, staff and guests from the Coast Guard Academy, Safe Futures and Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services (CONNSACS).

“You ought to be very proud of this college for what it has done and the frankness and courage it has shown in addressing this very sensitive and difficult issue,” Blumenthal said at the time of his visit.

During today’s roundtable, Blumenthal referenced several of Connecticut College’s successful initiatives, including training students in the Green Dot violence prevention program and partnering with athletic teams to raise awareness.

Darcie Folsom participates in a roundtable on preventing and responding to campus sexual assaults.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Claire McCaskill's office. 

On Tuesday, Folsom continued the discussion on The Joe Madison Show on Sirius XM Radio. Listen to the interview by clicking the "play" icon below.

 



June 23, 2014