Even when they clearly state their limits, women excuse men for over stepping them. One of the more disturbing aspects of our findings was that students defined sexual assault as involving physical violence. They did not see coercion as a form of assault. They consistently noted that they were unclear about the definitions of sexual assault and, in fact received little information while at Emory about this issue. Clearly we need to implement educational programs on campus.
Several strategies are possible.
First, information needs to be brought to the attention of the entire Emory Community, through publicizing our findings and through mandated educational programs for all students. Second, we stress the need for educational programs designed especially for men. Fraternities and other all male groups are powerful vehicles for educating men about sexual violence and for providing a safe space for men to assume responsibility for violence and dominance through discussion with peers. Sexual violence is indisputably a problem on the Emory Campus. Although rarely reported, sexual violence is a silent epidemic.