Its work done, the Governor's Task Force on Combating Campus Sexual Violence has submitted its final report to the McAuliffe administration. It includes 21 recommendations and is touted by its members to be the most comprehensive step in curbing violence, making it easier to report assaults, and changing the mindset of communities toward victims.
The report’s themes include Engaging Campuses and Communities in Comprehensive Prevention, Minimizing Barriers to Reporting, Cultivating a Coordinated and Trauma-Informed Response, Sustaining and Improving Campus Policies and Ensuring Compliance, and Fostering Ongoing Collaborations.
Attorney General Mark Herring says one recommendation is especially worthy of highlighting.
"Under the theme of removing barriers to reporting is a recommendation to use new technologies and info graphics to make it easier for students to report and to get information about what the process is. College students today are so used to communicating online, whether it's signing up for courses or communicating with one another, it's really important that we meet students where they are."
Herring says two other noteworthy recommendations include one that directs the state to develop a curriculum and training program for those who respond to and investigate reports of sexual violence on campuses, and another mandating that all colleges and universities have a comprehensive plan for preventing sexual violence.
