PRINTER'S NO. 1394
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
237
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY SCHWANK, WILEY, WOZNIAK, TEPLITZ, RAFFERTY,
TARTAGLIONE, BREWSTER, HAYWOOD, FONTANA, PILEGGI, MENSCH,
BARTOLOTTA, COSTA, VULAKOVICH, YUDICHAK, FARNESE AND
WILLIAMS, NOVEMBER 13, 2015
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, NOVEMBER 13, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an
advisory committee on rape and sexual violence prevention
education on postsecondary school campuses to conduct a
comprehensive study of the issue of rape and sexual assault
on postsecondary school campuses and environs and to report
its findings and recommendations to the Senate.
WHEREAS, In the United States, women between 18 and 24 years
of age have the highest rate of rape and sexual assault
victimization; and
WHEREAS, About 17% of student victims of rape and sexual
assault are male, approximately four times the rate of rape and
sexual assault among nonstudent males in the same age group,
according to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) by
the United States Department of Justice; and
WHEREAS, Fewer than one in five victims of rape and sexual
assault receive assistance from a victim service agency,
according to NCVS; and
WHEREAS, Similar surveys show even higher rates for rape and
sexual assault than the NCVS; and
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WHEREAS, According to the NCVS, only about one in five cases
of rape and sexual assault are reported to law enforcement by
student victims; and
WHEREAS, About one in ten cases of rape and sexual assault
against a student victim involve the use of a weapon; and
WHEREAS, One in five victims do not report the sexual assault
or rape because of a fear of reprisal; and
WHEREAS, Education on sexual violence prevention has been
found to be effective at identifying and preventing rape and
sexual assault; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth does not require rape and sexual
violence prevention education at any level; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Joint State Government
Commission to establish an advisory committee, including
representatives of the following entities and organizations and
such other individuals and groups as it considers appropriate
and helpful:
a national organization of college and university alumnae
whose mission includes advocacy on public policy issues
important to female postsecondary students and the empowerment
of women in business and the community;
an association representing college and university police and
campus security departments in this Commonwealth;
an organization that works nationally with colleges and
universities primarily to improve campus safety through
training, advocacy and public education;
an organization that works nationally with college and
university fraternities and sororities with chapters at
postsecondary institutions in Pennsylvania;
Association of Pennsylvania State College and University
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Faculties;
Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of
Pennsylvania;
Lincoln University;
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence;
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape;
Pennsylvania Department of Education;
Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association;
Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association;
Pennsylvania State Police;
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education;
The Pennsylvania State University;
Pennsylvania State Education Association;
Pennsylvania School Boards Association;
Pennsylvania School Counselors Association;
Temple University; and
University of Pittsburgh;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, working
with the advisory committee, conduct a comprehensive study of
the issue of rape and sexual assault on postsecondary school
campuses and environs, including reporting systems; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the study include the nature, extent,
availability and participation rates relating to rape and sexual
violence prevention education in Pennsylvania schools and
institutions of postsecondary education; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study include a process providing for
public input; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission prepare
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a report of its findings and include any recommendations for
changes to State statutes and practices concerning rape and
sexual assault to improve safety at postsecondary institutions
and to develop awareness, education and other strategies related
to the issue; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission submit a
report to the Senate with its findings and recommendations not
later than 18 months following passage of this resolution.
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