WHEREAS, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced domestic violence and 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their romantic partner at some point in their lifetime; [1] furthermore, students of color are statistically more likely to experience sexual violence than their white counterparts[2] with 77% of the students in the California Community College system people of color [3];
WHEREAS, Each CSU and UC campus is required to have a confidential advocate on campus and these confidential advocates are counselors and sexual assault advocates whose exclusive job is to advocate for survivors [4];
WHEREAS, California Community Colleges do have mental health counseling; however, they are overworked serving students who experience stress and anxiety, depression and loneliness, relationships and communication, academic pressure, sexuality and gender, disordered eating, substance abuse and addiction, suicidal thoughts, and sexual assault, which does not allow them to provide adequate support that domestic violence and sexual assault requires [5]; and
WHEREAS, The California Assembly Bill 2683 (Gabriel, 2022) requires each California Community College Campus to provide educational and preventive information on sexual violence and sexual harassment and this training strives to provide an educational, employment, and business environment free of all forms of sexual misconduct and gender discrimination, including sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, dating and domestic violence, and other prohibited acts; however, while this training is a start, it has many holes in providing education and resources surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault [6]; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for a full-time, on campus Confidential Advocate at every California Community College;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for a physical space on campus for students in need of counseling related to sexual assault and domestic abuse at every California Community College; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for expanded education and resources regarding sexual assault and domestic abuse for students and survivors at every California Community College.
Citations:
[2] Toward a Compassionate Compliance
[3] California Community Colleges Student Enrollment and Demographics
[4] Cal State East Bay Support Services