122: Addressing Sexual Violence on College Campuses is Easier than You Think with Nicole Bedera
Dec 2, 2024
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Nicole Bedera, a sociologist and author focused on sexual violence in educational settings, shares her insights on how universities can better address this pressing issue. She discusses the challenges faced by institutions when navigating sexual violence cases and the importance of prioritizing survivor safety. Bedera highlights the myths surrounding perpetrators and emphasizes the need for accountability and transformative change. Through her research, she reveals that many men could stop perpetrating if they faced real consequences, advocating for a cultural shift to prioritize healing and justice.
Universities often prioritize the protection of perpetrators over the support of survivors, perpetuating a culture of silence and violence.
Institutional betrayal occurs when universities mishandle sexual violence cases, further traumatizing victims and undermining their well-being.
Implementing zero-tolerance policies and focusing on education can create safer environments by holding perpetrators accountable and empowering survivors.
Deep dives
Introduction to Mighty Doodle: A Revolutionary Learning Tool
Mighty Doodle is a virtual tutoring app designed to enhance literacy education for children in grades one through four. Developed by an educator with over thirty years of experience, the app incorporates proven teaching methods to make learning engaging and accessible. Features such as handwriting recognition, voice feedback, and gamified lessons keep children excited about reading and spelling while allowing parents to track real-time progress. Since its launch, the app has reportedly improved children's standardized test scores by up to four times, fostering both confidence and resilience in young learners.
Buy One, Give One Initiative: Supporting Underserved Communities
Mighty Doodle's commitment extends beyond individual families through its Buy One, Give One program, which aims to enhance literacy equity. For every annual subscription purchased, a subscription is donated to a deserving family or an underserved community, amplifying the app's positive impact. This initiative underscores the company’s dedication to making quality literacy education accessible to all children, regardless of their background. By downloading the app and starting a free seven-day trial, families can contribute to this mission while benefiting from its rich educational content.
Addressing Sexual Violence on College Campuses
The conversation shifts to the systemic issues surrounding sexual violence in universities, focusing on how institutions often protect perpetrators instead of supporting survivors. Researchers highlight the problematic dynamics of viewing survivors as obstacles to perpetrators rather than individuals who need care and support. Universities often mimic the punitive structures of the criminal justice system, which fails to address the needs of survivors, leading to a culture that perpetuates violence. By shifting the perspective from punishment-only approaches to strategies focusing on survivor needs, institutions can foster a safer environment for all students.
Institutional Betrayal and Its Impact on Survivors
The concept of institutional betrayal describes how university responses to sexual violence can exacerbate the trauma experienced by victims. When institutions mishandle reporting processes or fail to prioritize survivor safety, they create an environment that leaves victims feeling unsupported and further victimized. This betrayal can have psychological consequences similar to the trauma of the assault itself. Understanding and addressing institutional betrayal is crucial for improving responses to survivors and creating meaningful support systems on campus.
Preventing Sexual Violence Through Education and Accountability
Preventing sexual violence requires proactive measures focused on education and accountability rather than solely reacting to incidents after they occur. Evidence suggests that creating zero-tolerance policies for sexual violence and ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate consequences can lead to safer educational environments. Educational institutions must prioritize the well-being of survivors and recognize the long-term impacts of violence on their academic and personal lives. By fostering a culture of accountability and providing support, universities can diminish the prevalence of sexual violence and empower survivors to reclaim their educational journeys.
Today’s topic carries a degree of sensitivity, so consider this a trigger warning if you are sensitive to discussions about sexual assault and sexual harassment. Our focus is on how universities and workplaces are dealing with these issues–and how they can do it better. My guest is Nicole Bedera, a sociologist and author with a Ph.D. Her upcoming debut book is On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Predators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence.
Show Highlights:
Nicole’s background as a victim advocate in the criminal justice system
College as the entry point into an adulthood of privilege for perpetrators of violence
The biggest challenges for universities regarding sexual violence
Title IX: where it all began in 1980
Punishing perpetrators AND meeting the needs of survivors—can we do both?
Power, punishment, and consequences
Nicole’s surprise when she dug deeper into sexual assault cases
The myth: Sexual violence only happens from evil men.
White supremacy history and sexual assault
Barriers to justice and societal norms
The truth: Perpetrators rarely change their behavior.
The research shows that a lot of men will stop perpetrating IF they know there will be negative consequences.
There is little accountability on college campuses for perpetrators.
The need to create safe spaces for survivors over perpetrators
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