ASU rolls out online student campaign to combat sexual assault

PHOENIX —- As the fight against sexual violence on college campuses intensifies across the country, Arizona State University has already made changes to tackle the issue head on.

“This semester, we have more than 4,000 students who are involved in different types of training to raise awareness about sexual violence prevention and bystander intervention,” said Jennifer Hightower, deputy vice president for student services at ASU.

Components of the training offered to students include information about what sexual violence is and the role of sexual violence in the campus community. It also provides ways in which students can safely intervene when they are witnesses to sexual assault cases.

According to Hightower, members of the Greek community at ASU, as well as students who live on campus and members of leadership organizations are some of those who have gone through the training.

In addition, ASU is rolling out a program called “Consent and Respect”. The online module aims at raising awareness on the issue. All ASU students will be required to complete the module.

“It will provide critical information for them about what to do if you or someone you know experiences sexual violence,” she said.