Law finally says “yes means yes!” But, what comes next?

The recent passing of Senate Bill 967 has many advocates, Californians and Feministing bloggers cheering over the first “affirmative consent” standard to ever be set in law. On top of that, SB 967 requires Californian postsecondary institutions to adopt more comprehensive policies and programs regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Alarming U.S. college rape statistics and this policy decision finally puts a spotlight on our government and educational system and asks… so… what are you going to do about it?

As various discussions across California and the country sprout and expand, it becomes increasingly evident that the social and cultural implications of this bill are extensive. But let’s shift the focus from its implications to its implementation, because this is critical. I beg us to ask, what will a survivor in this system actually experience? What happens after a student survivor’s trauma? What support is or will be in place to ensure a survivor’s well being, short term and long term? When it comes to the “what next” element of a survivor’s story, the statute only mandates schools to provide:

“Written notification to the victim about the availability of, and contact information for, on- and off- campus resources and services.”

Wait… That’s IT?! Supporting a student through such a journey does not end with a finished report or with a written receipt of on- and off-campus resources. In reality, this is where a survivor’s journey begins.

Let’s take a moment to stand in the shoes of a survivor. Sexual violence is a devastating and isolating phenomenon that persists to harm 1 out of every 4 young women of our U.S. campuses. Further more, these survivors realistically more likely to face mental health struggles. A recent study found that,

• 31% of all rape survivors developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD], an extremely debilitating disorder that occurs after a highly disturbing traumatic event, sometime during their lifetime
• Rape survivors were 6.2 times more likely to develop PTSD than women who have never been victims of crime.
• Rape survivors were 13 times more likely to have attempted suicide.

For many traumatized survivors, the effort needed to connect to these resources on their own feels like more than just a next step… it feels like a next leap. This hesitancy isn’t something that can be soothed with a sheet of paper or a FAQ page on a website. But these resources can offer assistance that is truly valuable. These resources can change that 31%.

As California institutions begin to develop and implement reformed procedures in response to SB 967, I strongly urge that we push for the inclusion of a specific sexual assault Student Resource Connection service. This service could be carried out by a designated office, or incorporated as an intervention phase conducted by an existing qualified team of counselors or advocates. This service would be strictly designated to increasing the linkage of student survivors to resources by answering questions, offering nonjudgmental guidance based on a diverse knowledge of local resources, and simply being there to help make the call.

Providing short-term supportive services with the intent of student’s receiving more long-term and sustainable assistance would encompass a holistic system. This approach would also instill an empowered culture that promotes support and health during a survivor’s most vulnerable time. But most importantly, it would help bridge the gap between a student’s trauma and their recovery.

As an MSW student in Los Angeles, a case manager, and formerly as the President of my undergraduate’s sexual assault awareness student organization, I saw, witnessed, and learned many things. One thing I can tell you is that a traumatized individual will often be reluctant to seek help, but these are often the individuals who need this help the most.

This legislation is a big step forward, but the marathon isn’t over. Take a look at your local institutions’ sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking policies. Speak up about what you see and feel needs to be changed. Let us use this social and political momentum to pave the pathway to recovery that our students and survivors deserve.