sexual harassment | University of Hawaiʻi System News /news News from the University of Hawaii Tue, 09 Sep 2025 02:31:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-UHNews512-1-32x32.jpg sexual harassment | University of Hawaiʻi System News /news 32 32 28449828 鶹ýoffers support, promotes healthy relationships for Sex Assault Awareness Month /news/2025/04/08/uh-offers-support-promotes-healthy-relationships-saam/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:07:06 +0000 /news/?p=213465 “This is an important time for our UH ʻohana to come together to stand with survivors and demand respect and safety for all.”

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Hand hearts

April 2025 is the 25th annual Sex Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and the University of 鶹ý is marking it with a series of events exploring healthy relationships and the effects of sexual violence with resources and support for survivors. The events will take place—in person and online—throughout April.

“This is an important time for our UH ʻohana to come together to stand with survivors and demand respect and safety for all,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “These events also offer an opportunity for each of us to do our part by learning to recognize and prevent sexual abuse and how to build a community where everyone can thrive.”

Jessica Shaffer, a Co-Chair for the UH Commission on the Status of Women and a SAAM event organizer agrees, saying preventing sexual violence requires collective and individual action.

“Sadly, sexual violence impacts everyone: men, women, and folks beyond the binary, from keiki to kūpuna,” said Shaffer. ”The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network reports that over 400,000 Americans experience sexual assault every year.”

Upcoming SAAM programs

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Resource Fair
UH Mānoa Campus Center, April 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

The fair is open to the UH Mānoa community. Learn more about our wonderful on- and off-campus resources and take a stand against sexual violence. Swag, games, activities and valuable information will be available.

Sponsors: Confidential Mānoa Advocate, PAU Violence, Office of Title IX

Revenge Porn: Understanding Non-Consensual Pornography webinar
Online via zoom, April 24, 12–12:30 p.m.

During this information packed webinar, the Sex Abuse Treatment Center will discuss revenge porn, a form of digital abuse where sexually explicit photos are videos are shared without consent. Attendees will learn about the revenge porn dynamics and how it intersects with stalking. This session will also explore enhancing protective factors to increase personal safety and support resources.

Sponsor: Office of Compliance, EEO, and Title IX, Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges

Sextortion: The Intersection between Sexual Violence & Technology webinar
Online via zoom, April 29, 12–12:30 p.m.

In this lunch-and-learn webinar, speakers from the Sex Abuse Treatment Center will break down sextortion, a serious crime that involves threats to distribute your private or sensitive material if you do not provide money, images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, etc. Attendees will learn about the tactics and websites used in sextortion and what options and support are available to those experiencing misconduct.

Sponsor: Office of Compliance, EEO, and Title IX, Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges

Denim Day
All campuses, April 30

Wear denim in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Live.Pono.Love.Pono Podcast
, April 2025

Join Love Pono for several podcasts on “Silent No More: Art, Media, and Poetry in the Fight Against Sexual Assault.”

Sponsor: Love Pono, Leeward Community College

Pinwheel Garden Planting
Kauaʻi Community College Lawn between One Stop Center & Learning Resource Center, Date TBD

April is also Child Abuse Awareness Month. Join us as we will be “planting” a pinwheel garden on the lawn to raise awareness and prevent child abuse.

Sponsor: Kauaʻi Community College Title IX Office

Reach out

Given the subject matter, some SAAM events may be upsetting. Help is available, including support from Title IX Offices (not confidential) and Confidential Advocates.

Additionally, the is a community resource that offers 24/7 hotline services.

While , every person plays a part in building a safe and welcoming UH, free from sexual violence.

Previous 2025 SAAM events and organizers

UH has already hosted a variety of related events including “Sip & Set Boundaries” at Kauaʻi Community College, where participants learned to recognize, build and maintain healthy relationships with partners, friends, and family; the Leeward Community College’s Student Involvement Fair featured tabling by Love Pono, offering support resources and highlighting the intersection of alcohol use and sexual violence; and UH community members, including representatives from the UH Commission on the Status of Women, joined SAAM sign-waving events across 鶹ý on April 1.

The UH units participating in the SAAM events are the Kauaʻi CC Title IX Office, PAU Violence, Leeward CC Love Pono, the UH Commission on the Status of Women, the UH Mānoa Office of Title IX, the Confidential Mānoa Advocate and the UH Community College’s Office of Compliance, EEO, and Title IX.

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Students encouraged to participate in survey on sexual harassment, sex-based violence /news/2025/02/04/student-sexual-harassment-sex-based-violence-survey/ Tue, 04 Feb 2025 23:01:34 +0000 /news/?p=210103 Systemwide, survey insights have improved training programs and expanded advocacy services, ensuring a data-driven approach to prevention, response and awareness.

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Megaphone with the text: #BeHeard鶹ýYour Voice Matters

Students from the 10 campuses of the University of 鶹ý are being encouraged to participate in the UH Sex Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey. The anonymous and voluntary survey is open to students 18 years old and older from February 4 to March 10, and can only be accessed through an email with the subject line “UH students: Please complete the sexual harassment and sex-based violence survey” sent from “UH President (Omnitrak on behalf of UH) .”

“Sexual harassment and sex-based violence on college campuses are serious issues nationwide,” said UH President Wendy Hensel in an a February 4 email to students. “UH has made significant progress in responding to these issues across our 10 campuses, largely thanks to your participation in a student survey conducted every two years.”

Why participation matters

This is the fifth UH survey on sexual harassment and sex-based violence since 2017. Utilizing the campus specific data collected in the previous surveys, the Title IX coordinators from each of the 10 campuses have tailored outreach and support materials for their campus communities. Systemwide, survey insights have improved training programs and expanded advocacy services, ensuring a data-driven approach to prevention, response and awareness.

“Your experience matters to us, and your voice is critical to our efforts in creating a safe and supportive environment for all students,” Hensel said.

What the survey covers

The 20-minute survey will ask students about:

  • Campus environment related to sexual harassment and sex-based violence.
  • Perceptions of UH’s response to reports of harassment or violence.
  • Awareness of resources and reporting options for sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and interpersonal violence (domestic and dating violence).
  • Prevalence and incidence of sexual violence, harassment, stalking and interpersonal violence on UH campuses.

Students can exit and resume the survey anytime before March 10, 2025. All responses are completely anonymous and survey data will be kept confidential and reviewed only in aggregate to ensure privacy. A Frequently Asked Questions page is available with more information.

#BeHeardUH

Students are encouraged to promote #BeHeardUH on social media and help raise awareness about the importance of speaking up against sexual harassment and sex-based violence.

Resources

If you have experienced sex-based harassment or violence, resources are available:

  • Confidential Support—If you need help but are not ready to make a formal report, reach out to .
  • Formal Reporting—To file a report, .
  • Off-Campus Assistancecontact a community resource in your area.

Survey history and results

The UH Student Survey is considered a national best practice and was first identified as a university priority in 2015. It later became a state mandate under Act 208 (2016) and has been conducted biennially since 2017. Past survey results include:

The survey is coordinated by the UH System Office of EEO/TIX and conducted by OmniTrak Group, Inc.

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Students feel safe, aware of resources, according to survey /news/2024/02/08/students-feel-safe-aware-of-resources/ Thu, 08 Feb 2024 21:41:14 +0000 /news/?p=191587 Reports of sexual harassment and gender based violence are down slightly in 2023 compared to the 2019 and 2017 surveys.

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Holding hands

The majority of University of 鶹ý students feel safe from sexual harassment and gender based violence when on campus, according to the 2023 Sex Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey. The biennial survey of UH’s 10 campuses also found that dating or domestic violence is still the most common form of harassment/violence and that awareness of on-campus services and resources has increased dramatically since the first survey seven years ago.

Of 38,286 adult students attending UH campuses, 14.1% (5,398 students) completed the 20-minute long survey in early 2023 on campus environment, prevalence of sexual assault and violence, campus response and awareness of resources and reporting options.

The individual outcomes from each of the 10 campuses are available in the final survey results. In the aggregate, more than 63.4% of UH students feel safe when on campus, up from 57.5% from the first survey in 2017, considered the benchmark survey of the four surveys completed. The 2023 survey found 57% of students were aware of services and resources, a substantial increase from 40% in 2017. Furthermore, 57.8% of students rated the training UH offered “extremely or very useful” compared to 50.7% in 2017.

“We have work ahead on our paths to create campus environments free of harassment and violence so our students can fully focus on their education,” said UH President David Lassner. “We will continue to build on what we have accomplished in the last 10 years including the expansion of services like confidential resources, and greater awareness of those services. I am especially heartened that the 2023 survey shows that our students have greater trust in UH today compared to our first survey seven years ago.”

Survey results

Reports of sexual harassment and gender based violence are down slightly in 2023 compared to the 2019 and 2017 surveys (the 2021 survey results were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as the vast majority of courses were offered online, and most employees were teleworking). Students are asked about their experiences while enrolled, including incidents unrelated to their campus. According to the 2023 survey:

  • Three of four specific areas edged down or held steady:
    • 10.2% of students reported dating or domestic violence (9.1% in 2021, 12.1% in 2019, 10.6% in 2017).
    • 5.5% reported stalking (3.6% in 2021, 6.1% in 2019, 6.0% in 2017).
    • 2.8% reported incidents of non-consensual sexual contact (1.3% in 2021, 2.9% in 2019, 2.8% in 2017).
  • 7.8% reported sexual harassment (4.2% in 2021, 8.0% in 2019, 5.7% in 2017). The federal government expanded the examples of sexual harassment, which have been included in the UH biennial surveys since 2019.
  • Offenders associated with UH decreased since 2017 (79.8% in 2023, 71.8% in 2021, 80.5% in 2019, 88.2% in 2017).

“The survey results provide important next steps for our campuses including targeted outreach to vulnerable populations and raising awareness and referrals to campus resources to better address dating and domestic violence,” said UH Office of Equity Assurance Director Jenn Rose. “Hopefully, these survey results also shine a bright light on issues prevalent across our society, not just college campuses. Greater awareness is critical addressing sexual harassment and gender base violence.”

These surveys are a national best practice and an important tool in creating and maintaining a safe and discrimination-free learning and working environment.The biennial survey was identified as a priority by UH in 2015 and mandated by the 鶹ý State Legislature in 2016 with the passage of Act 208. It has been administered every other year since 2017 with the first results released in 2018.

2018—Groundbreaking Sex Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey
2020—Results of student survey on sexual harassment, violence
2022—Students feel safer on UH campuses, according to student survey

The survey is the responsibility of the UH Office of Equity Assurance (OEA), whose duties include oversight of compliance with Title IX and the federal laws and for UH Mānoa and the 10-campus UH System. The survey was conducted by OmniTrak Group, Inc.

Student resources

There are several options available to students who may be victims of gender-based harassment or violence depending on the type of assistance needed.

On Campus

Off Campus

For individuals experiencing food insecurity:

For individuals with varying needs, including housing insecurity, child and family support, mental health and substance abuse:

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Sexual assault awareness month webinar series starts April 3 /news/2023/03/22/saam-2023-webinar-series/ Wed, 22 Mar 2023 21:21:13 +0000 /news/?p=174577 The goal is to provide education about sexual assault, promote respect and inclusion, and build safer spaces at UH’s 10 campuses.

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sexual assault awareness month logo

The University of 鶹ý is raising awareness during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a . The goal is to provide education about sexual assault, promote respect and inclusion, and build safer spaces at UH’s 10 campuses.

The webinar series begins April 3 and is coordinated by the Office of Equity Assurance, in collaboration with the Title IX Offices of all 10 UH campuses, and the Community Colleges Office of Compliance, EEO/AA and Title IX.

“Please join us in raising public awareness on our campuses that sexual violence is a public health, human rights, and social justice issue, and engage in our prevention efforts to make our community safer and more inclusive for all,” said UH President David Lassner in a March 22 email to the 10-campus system encouraging UH community members to sign up for the webinars.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month webinar schedule

All webinars will be hosted on Zoom. Registration must be via your @hawaii.edu email account.

Monday, April 3: 1:30–3 p.m.
Being Part of the Solution: Sexual Violence Prevention, Strategies and Response (for Faculty and Staff)

Presented by the Sex Abuse Treatment Center and 鶹ý Sexual Assault Response and Training

Tuesday, April 4: 3–4:30 p.m.
The Hardest Conversations: Telling Loved Ones about Sexual Assault Experiences

Presented by Sara Vogel, EdD, Title IX Coordinator, 鶹ý Community College

Tuesday, April 11: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Beyond Mandatory Reporting: Responding to Disclosures in the Classroom

Presented by Leslie Cabingabang, Senior Confidential Advocate, University of 鶹ý System; Ashley Nelson and Krisofer Teves – Graduate Students with the Thompson School of Social Work

Wednesday, April 19: 12–1 p.m.
Understanding the Dynamics of Sexual Assault

Presented by Amber Barbieri & Melia Schneck, YWCA Kauaʻi Crisis Services

Monday, April 24: 3–4:30 p.m.
Being Part of the Solution: Sexual Violence Prevention, Strategies and Response (for Students)

Presented by the Sex Abuse Treatment Center and 鶹ý Sexual Assault Response and Training

Thursday, April 27: 12–1 p.m.
Missing and Murdered Native Hawaiian Women and Girls Report

Presented by Nikki Cristobal, PhD, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kamāwaelualani

Given the subject matter, some of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month webinars may be emotionally upsetting. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Please contact a confidential resource.

Observed annually in April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month acknowledges that there is a need for both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment and abuse. It was first observed nationally in April 2001. In 2009, President Barack Obama officially as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

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Sexual assault prevention training available to 鶹ýstudents, employees /news/2023/03/01/sexual-assault-prevention-training/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:45:01 +0000 /news/?p=173396 UH is committed to ensuring that all students and employees are able to study and work in on-campus environments that are respectful and inclusive and where sexual misconduct is not tolerated.

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U H seal

The University of 鶹ý is asking all students, faculty, staff and administrators to participate in free online training for sexual assault prevention. UH employees were asked to participate in a second free online training on workplace violence prevention and awareness.

UH is committed to ensuring that everyone understands the resources available, preventing sex discrimination wherever possible, supporting those who report experiencing violence or discrimination and conducting fair, transparent and safe grievance processes for all parties,” said UH President David Lassner in emails to students and employees. “Even with growing awareness, issues of workplace conduct, sex discrimination and other forms of harassment and violence are still common on college campuses nationwide.”

A link or links to the free online training were sent to students and employees via email from “Vector Solutions Online Training,” sent on behalf of the UH System Office of Institutional Equity and the UH System Office of Human Resources. Everyone is asked to check their spam folder if they did not receive the email.

UH students and employees who have experienced sexual harassment or any other form of sex and gender-based discrimination or who find the training content upsetting can connect with the resources that are available to best support them.

More information on confidential resources, campus Title IX Coordinators, applicable non-discrimination policies and guidance, and online Title IX training can be found at .

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Students encouraged to take sex-based discrimination and harassment survey /news/2023/01/24/sexual-harassment-and-gender-based-violence-survey/ Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:56:08 +0000 /news/?p=171769 To help the university improve how and where resources are focused, UH is encouraging students to participate in the survey by February 24, 2023.

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graphic of a megaphone with text: #BeHeard鶹ýYour Voice Matters

The University of 鶹ý continues to honor its commitment to foster supportive campuses where students feel safe from sexual harassment and gender-based violence. To help the university improve how and where resources are focused, UH is encouraging students to participate in an online survey by February 24, 2023.

UH is committed to achieving a safe and supportive environment in which you can achieve academic success and personal growth,” UH President David Lassner said in a message to students at all 10 UH campuses. “We have made significant progress in addressing domestic and gender-based violence across our campuses over the past years. We are now requesting your input to help us do better.”

Students 18 years and older are eligible to take the confidential, voluntary UH Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey. The survey is easily accessible online through a hawaii.edu email received on January 24, 2023 titled #BeHeardUH: Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey. The 20-minute survey will ask students about:

  • Their campus environment related to sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
  • How well students believe the UH community responds to and addresses their concerns.
  • Their awareness of resources and reporting options for those experiencing sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and interpersonal violence (domestic and dating violence).
  • Prevalence (e.g., how widespread) and incidence (e.g., how often) of sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and interpersonal violence on the campuses.

Those who participate are asked to encourage their fellow students to also take the survey, promote #BeHeardUH and urge everyone to speak up about sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

National best practice

The survey, considered a national best practice, was first identified as a priority by UH in 2015 and was then mandated by the 鶹ý State legislature as part of Act 208 in 2016. It has been administered every other year since 2017 with the first survey results released in 2018.

Data from the survey will also be used to inform UH about marginalized groups on the different campuses and their varying levels of risk, and will address the needs of these students. It is also used to measure how each campus is doing in addressing problem areas revealed in previous surveys.

According to the last survey in 2021, students in the UH 10-campus system felt safer overall from sexual harassment and gender-based violence. About 17% of 40,122 adult students completed the 2021 survey, the highest response rate in UH’s three biennial campus surveys, even with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey is coordinated by the UH Office of Institutional Equity and conducted by OmniTrak Group, Inc with consultant researchers, Professors Sandra L. Martin and Bonnie S. Fisher, who consulted on the Association of American Universities 2015 Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct.

Resources for victims

There are several options available to victims of gender-based harassment or violence depending on the type of assistance wanted.

  • Those who do not want to make a formal report yet may contact a confidential resource on their campus to explore their options and receive services:
  • To make a formal report, please contact your campus Title IX coordinator:
  • To seek help off campus, please contact a community resource in your area: /titleix/help/community-resources/
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Students feel safer on 鶹ýcampuses, according to latest student survey /news/2022/05/04/students-feel-safer-on-uh-campuses/ Wed, 04 May 2022 18:04:16 +0000 /news/?p=158440 Prevalence of gender-based violence and sexual harassment has decreased according to the latest and third biennial student campus survey.

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Students walking on U H Manoa campus

Students at the University of 鶹ý 10-campus system feel safer overall from sexual harassment and gender-based violence, according to the latest and third biennial Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey.

About 17% of 40,122 adult students completed the survey, the highest response rate in UH’s three biennial surveys, even with the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey asked students about their experience while enrolled at UH. Specifically during the fall 2020 semester and the first two months of the spring 2021 semester, four out of five students reported less in-person contact at the time of the survey as the majority of courses were online due to COVID-19.

The key findings of the 2021 survey include:

  • Gender-based violence and harassment prevalence has decreased since the previous survey across all categories: Sexual Harassment, Stalking, Dating & Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence, and Non-Consensual Sexual Contact.
  • Overall perceived risk at UH for sexual assault/harassment is down, 2.9% in 2021 and 2019 compared to 3.4% in 2017.
  • Students had greater awareness of Title IX resources (82%), and 57% of students were aware of their Title IX Coordinator (up from 55% in 2019).
  • More students than in the previous survey have found Title IX training extremely or very useful: 61% (up from 59% in 2019 and 51% in 2017).
  • Risk factors/vulnerable groups (Transgender/Genderqueer/Questioning or Non-conforming students; female/women students; students with disabilities; LGBTQ+/abbr> students) remain consistent with past UH surveys and nationwide trends.
  • The majority of student bystanders took action in two of three gender violence scenarios:
    • 76.4% of students say they intervened when they suspected a friend was sexually assaulted;
    • 53.6% say they intervened when they witnessed a drunk person heading for a sexual encounter; and,
    • 42% said they intervened when witnessing sexually violent or harassing behavior.

“Though these findings are very encouraging, especially the decrease in cases and greater awareness of student resources, we still have room for improvement and work to do to provide safer discrimination-free campuses,” said UH President David Lassner. “I am confident that each campus will utilize the more granular data to increase awareness of rights and resources and develop other programs to improve their campus environments.”

The 2021 student survey is helping UH campuses assess the effectiveness and update the action plans developed by the individual campuses after the inaugural 2017 survey and 2019 survey. Regularly surveying students about sexual harassment and gender-based violence is considered a national best practice, and UH was among the first in the nation to survey an entire university system. The 鶹ý-based OmniTrak Group Inc. conducted the survey.

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鶹ýlaw student, former pro soccer player speaks on sexual misconduct in league /news/2021/10/19/former-pro-soccer-mana-shim/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 23:21:53 +0000 /news/?p=150045 Meleana Shim’s story has become a catalyst for institutional change in the National Women’s Soccer League and across the country.

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women playing soccer
Mana Shim playing soccer in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Former National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) players including Meleana Shim, a third-year law student at the University of 鶹ý at Mānoa , came forward with allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against their former coach Paul Riley, alleging institutional failure. Riley was Shim’s coach for two seasons in Portland 2014–15.

Shim’s story has become part of a catalyst for institutional change, including the NWSL adopting anti-harassment policies in April 2021. Riley was fired as head coach of the North Carolina Courage soccer team after Shim shared her story publicly with the news outlet The Athletic this fall and her story continues to spark national outcry for better protection of women in sports.

group photo
Shim (second from right) with fellow UH law students.

“I want a few things—first, prioritize the players and elevate their voices,” said Shim. “When players tell you something is wrong, listen to them and protect them. It’s simple. Next, I want more robust policies.”

After six seasons in the NWSL, five in Portland and one in Houston, Shim last played for the league in 2019 before starting at UH law school.

Sparking passion for policy, justice

Shim’s experiences in professional soccer spurred her to pursue her law degree. She also credits UH Mānoa law professor Mari Matsuda as an instrumental player in influencing her decision to come forward and share her story. Law school has helped spark Shim’s passion for policy work around high school and college sports, and addressing the culture of sexual harassment and abuse. One of the main reasons she decided to go public with her story was hearing about other players with similar experiences.

“It infuriated me that Riley was still coaching in the league,” said Shim. “Another element that I wanted to shed light on was how the system failed me when I did the right thing and reported him in 2015. I knew things needed to change and in order to do it, we had to break the silence.”

For more than a year, Shim worked with a team of two players (Alex Morgan and Sinead Farrelly), attorneys and a strategic communications team, to draft the current policy. They met voluntarily, independent of the NWSL, for months and brainstormed the best way to address this systemic problem.

group photo
From left, Gov. John Waihee III, Shim and Professor of Law Emerita Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie.

“I am relieved Paul Riley is no longer coaching in the league. I am optimistic about the future of women’s professional soccer in this country,” said Shim. “I am very aware and concerned about the scale of this problem. I have heard from numerous women who have similar stories to ours and it’s heartbreaking and infuriating that we just accept this as part of the culture. We have a lot of work to do and I hope sharing my story helps bring about real change.”

The UH law school issued a statement of support for Shim saying, “It is through the courage and steadfastness of people like Meleana (Mana) Shim who, through their courage and fortitude, expose these abuses by coming forward and speaking out—they make the world a better place through their words, deeds and actions. Mana’s leadership in athletics, on and off the field, is exemplary and is forging a better, and safer, path for all athletes, especially, women in soccer. We join so many people in the sporting world and beyond in recognizing her bravery and leadership.”

.

Future investigations

Finally, there are a few investigations pending and Shim wants transparency around the findings. Knowing how and where things went wrong is critical to fix the systemic problem, and it is an important step in rebuilding trust within the league. Shim believes everyone involved in the NWSL needs to acknowledge this problem and take part in fixing it, which can only be done through education and open dialogue.

“To every person and player who has experienced sexual violence—you are not alone,” added Shim. “It sounds really cliché, but too often players think they are the only one and it is somehow their fault. We know that perpetrators have patterns and there are more of us than we think. Also, be brave and let go of the shame, because this is not your fault. Being brave can mean asking for help or standing up to someone. Finally, reach out to someone you trust. We have your back.”

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Sex discrimination and gender-based violence resources for students /news/2020/03/30/title-ix-student-resources/ Tue, 31 Mar 2020 00:37:25 +0000 /news/?p=114581 The university remains committed to maintaining communities and campus environments free from sex discrimination and gender-based violence.

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鶹ýseal in System gold

This message was shared with the faculty, staff and students of the 10-campus University of 鶹ý system on March 30, 2020.

Aloha University of 鶹ý students:

As we all come to terms with the many changes and the disruption of connections and routines that sustain and comfort us, we want to reach out and remind you that we are here for you. The university remains committed to maintaining communities and campus environments free from sex discrimination and gender-based violence.

We are aware that people who are surviving violence may be experiencing increased isolation and danger caused by confinement, economic stress and health insecurity. Our Title IX resources, mental health and counseling services, and community advocacy and legal services are working to continue our support for students and employees.

Many coordinators and on-campus and off-campus services are offering remote meetings and appointments, online or by phone, and some remain on campus for in-person assistance. We encourage you to contact services by email or by phone to make an appointment. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

Contact information for all campus Title IX team members and on- and off-campus resources can be found at the UH System Title IX website.

Important reminders:

  1. Making a report: Student and employees impacted by sex discrimination are encouraged to contact their Title IX coordinator to make a report. Complaint processing, investigations and interim measures, will continue to ensure that any type of discriminatory behavior is addressed promptly.
  2. Behaviors, persons and places covered by UH policy: The University of 鶹ý Policies and Procedures relevant to Sex Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence include behaviors that occur between students, faculty, staff, and third parties. This applies to online and virtual misconduct. Any behavior that is prohibited by policy is also prohibited in cyber-forms, including cyber-harassment, cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking. Each person is expected to engage in non-discriminatory and respectful behavior during online classes and meetings just as they would be expected to if they were in class or a meeting physically.
  3. Responsible employees: Faculty and staff members who are designated as Responsible Employees under UH Policy and Procedure on Sex Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence are reminded that reporting of alleged gender-based and sexual misconduct is expected within 3 calendar days of the moment they become aware of incidents or allegations involving behavior that potentially violates UH sex discrimination policy, regardless of how they learn of the potential misconduct, whether in person, in writing or online. Students should be aware that disclosures made to faculty members and other employees designated as Responsible Employees cannot be kept confidential. Access confidential advice and guidance at Confidential Resources.
  4. Legal services in the community: Please be aware that all essential court proceedings, including restraining order and protective order hearings, are still occuring. For assistance with or information on legal proceedings, please contact your local community service providers. More information from the .

All referenced resources including confidential resource information, Title IX Coordinator contact information, UH non-discrimination policies and guidance, and online Title IX training can be found at the .

Stay safe and be well!

The Office of Institutional Equity
institutional.equity@hawaii.edu

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鶹ýreleases results of student survey on sexual harassment, violence /news/2020/02/07/sexual-harassment-violence-2019-survey/ Fri, 07 Feb 2020 18:00:02 +0000 /news/?p=110678 The survey of the 10 campuses is an important tool for UH in providing a safe and discrimination-free learning and working environment.

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The University of 鶹ý officially released its latest biennial student survey Friday, February 7, 2020 on sexual harassment and gender-based violence, issues that are prevalent among college students nationwide. The student survey of the 10-campus system is an important tool for UH in providing a safe and discrimination-free learning and working environment and is considered a national best practice. The 2019 survey updates the benchmarks set in the inaugural 2017 survey, among the first in the nation to cover the students of an entire university system—four-year universities, community colleges and graduate and professional schools, on- and off-campus.

Students walking on campus

More than 6,300 students, or 15.5 percent of UH’s approximately 40,861 adult students participated in the 2019 survey, a 1.4-point increase from 2017. The survey consisted of 143 questions that covered four areas: prevalence of sexual harassment and gender violence, student assessment of the university’s response, student perceptions of campus safety and student awareness of policies, processes and programs.

“The biennial studies provide the data we need to understand where we have issues and, over time, how we are doing in addressing them,” said UH President David Lassner. “Optimal learning outcomes are nearly impossible to achieve if students are being harassed or worse, and we are committed to providing an equitable environment in which students can focus on their studies.”

Students feel safe

As the 2017 survey also revealed, UH students continued to feel personally safe on-campus and at off-campus university events. The overwhelming majority of the students surveyed, 86.3 percent (or almost 9 in 10 UH students), said they felt little or no personal risk of being sexually harassed or sexually assaulted while on campus. On the question of how problematic sexual assault or harassment is at UH, 66.5 percent of students reported that the issue of sexual harassment and sexual assault at UH is a little problematic (27.3 percent) or not at all problematic (39.2 percent). The number of students selecting the “Not at all” option, increased significantly by 9 percentage points from the 2017 survey. Also, three out of four students said they felt little or no risk attending UH-sponsored off-campus events, with half indicating no risk (47.4 percent).

Greater awareness of resources

Overall, student awareness of UH services increased. For example, 86 percent of students reported that they had seen or heard of resources available to students experiencing gender violence. A modest one percent increase from the 2017 survey.

Among students contacting UH programs, a large majority felt officials treated them respectfully, protected their privacy, showed concern for their safety and advised them on their options.

Survey results show increases

There was an increase of reported incidents in each of the four areas covered by the 2019 student survey, when compared to the 2017 survey results. This was expected with greater awareness of these issues on UH campuses and in the national conversation with the #MeToo movement. When students were asked about their experiences anytime and anywhere while enrolled at UH:

  • 7.2 percent reported nonconsensual sexual contact (6.3 percent in 2017)
  • 12.7 percent reported being sexually harassed (9.3 percent in 2017)
  • 10.6 percent reported being stalked (9.7 percent 2017)
  • 21.3 percent said they were victims of dating or domestic violence (19.1 percent in 2017)

The numbers dropped when students were asked about their experiences during the current academic year:

  • 2.9 percent reported nonconsensual sexual contact
  • 8 percent reported being sexually harassed
  • 6.1 percent reported being stalked
  • 12.1 percent said they were victims of dating or domestic violence

“With greater awareness, we believe more students will feel safe and will utilize the confidential resources available to get the help they need,” said Lassner.

How UH compares nationally

The university’s student survey is modeled after a biennial survey by the Association of American Universities (AAU). The results of AAU’s third and latest survey were released in October 2019 with a total of 181,752 students from 33 colleges and universities participating. The rates of nonconsensual sexual contact and sexual harassment any time while enrolled were higher in the AAU student survey. The rates of stalking and intimate partner violence were higher in the UH survey, though it is important to note that the UH survey defines stalking and dating and domestic violence more broadly.

  • Nonconsensual contact: UH—7.2 percent/AAU—13 percent
  • Sexual harassment: UH—12.7 percent/AAU—41.8 percent
  • Stalking: UH—10.6 percent/AAU—5.8 percent
  • Dating and Domestic Violence: UH—21.3 percent/AAU—10 percent

(PDF).

Next steps

The 246-page 2019 survey report provides data on each of the 10 UH campuses. In 2018, each campus implemented action plans addressing the results of the 2017 survey. The 2019 survey will be used to assess the effectiveness and update those action plans, and the campuses will have more data available. Compared to 2017, the 2019 survey report provides more information of those accused of sexual harassment and gender-based violence including their relationship with the complainant and their association with the university.

The data will also be used to assess the university’s progress and to guide policy, training and initiatives to meet the university’s obligations under the Violence Against Women Act and Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sexual discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal funding. The survey was one of the many steps identified and pursued by the university to strengthen its Title IX response and support services. It received widespread support from state lawmakers and was mandated by the legislature through Act 208 in 2016.

Survey information

The survey was conducted by 鶹ý-based OmniTrak Group Inc. from January 21 to February 21, 2019, with consultation from nationally-renowned subject matter experts Professor Sandra L. Martin of the University of North Carolina and Professor Bonnie S. Fisher of the University of Cincinnati who consulted on the Association of American Universities 2015 and 2019 Campus Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Student Survey.

President Lassner's message to students

Aloha to all our UH students,

In spring 2019, more than 6,300 of our 40,861 adult students from the 10 UH campuses, participated in a survey that asked about their experiences with sexual harassment and gender-based violence on and off campus. The results are now available, and I encourage everyone to take the time to review them as they provide insight into issues that may have either impacted you directly, or someone you know.

The survey results will be used by the university to continue improving its policy and training initiatives to address sexual harassment and gender-based violence. The results will also be used as part of a longitudinal study with the next survey scheduled in 2021.

Another positive result of the surveys is raising awareness around these very important issues like intimate partner violence (IPV), also known as dating and domestic violence. If you are a victim of IPV, sexual harassment or gender violence, please know that the following help is available, including on a confidential basis.

UH is committed to ensuring safe and respectful campus environments. Students as well as our entire community have important roles to play by being aware of the issues, watching out for one another and reporting violations. I encourage everyone, if you have not already, to take the free, online training on sex discrimination and gender-based violence for students.

We have made significant strides in addressing these issues over the past several years, but our goal is campus life free of sexual harassment and gender violence, and we have even more to do.

Please enjoy a safe and successful academic year!

David Lassner
UH President

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