Content warning: Mention of sexual violence.
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, a Community Conversation on Sexual Violence at Villanova was held in the West Lounge of Dougherty Hall. The conversation was led by Police Chief David Tedjeske, Title IX Coordinator Ryan Rost and other campus partners. Others in attendance included members from the Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) team, Public Safety officers and Title IX case managers and investigators. Attendance was open to all students, faculty and staff.
Opening the conversation, Rost commented on the purpose of having these discussions. According to Rost, as there is increased public attention to the sexual violence in light of recent reports of sexual assault, the conversation is an opportunity for the Title IX Office and the Department of Public Safety to provide insight on this pressing issue. However, this also includes working on prevention and response methods all year long, she said, remarking that when certain cases become more public, it does not diminish experiences that go unreported through the year.
In response to a question from The Villanovan regarding the possibility of expanding mandatory training for bystander training, Rost responded that a yearly mandatory training is not in the works, emphasizing that the current training available is substantial. Rost mentioned that one initiative the University is focusing on is updating its training of the “Moments That Matter” training during New Student Orientation. According to the feedback that the University receives every three years, it updates the programming of this training accordingly. She also referenced the mandatory training for those involved in Greek Life at Villanova.
Another point of conversation was access to public information as safety issues arise. According to Tedjeske, there must be a balance between informing the community and respecting the information and privacy of victims. Tedjeske referenced Department of Public Safety resources that keep students, faculty and staff informed. Tedjeske compared campus communication to that of one’s respective hometown. He remarked that he would be surprised if anyone had that level of communication in their hometown, as the Department of Public Safety goes “above and beyond trying to get the word out.” Tedjeske referenced several resources including the Nova Alerts, Safety Alerts, the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report and the Crime Map.
A community member present raised the question of why the Safety Alert regarding the rape reported in the Commons was released during Hoops Mania. Tedjeske explained that the report, which was made the afternoon of that day, requires several rounds of editing before reaching the public. Tedjeske remarked that when it was fully finished, the message went straight to the community. While to some, the timing did not seem ideal, Tedjeske raised the point that it would be wrong to withhold information regarding the immediate safety of others, especially if the only purpose of it was to prioritize Hoops Mania.
The conversation also addressed important aspects of our campus climate, discussing community response, the climate survey and more. The conversation raised a point that when numbers are up, it is a reflection that people feel comfortable enough to report. Stacy Andes, Director of Health Promotion, remarked that community response is crucial in shaping an environment for students to feel comfortable sharing their experiences or reporting instances of sexual violence. One aspect of this is social media. Tedjeske and Rost urged that when something is posted online that is offensive, harmful or threatening, students should report it. They referenced EthicsPoint, a third-party reporting line used to report non-compliance or misconduct.
There was also discussion on the cultural aspects of college life. Specifically, the dialogue turned to the social dynamics surrounding college parties, particularly concerning events that may foster unsafe situations, such as those that require transportation exclusively by fraternity members and the fact that many of these parties only invite females. Both Tedjeske and Rost expressed concern over practices that may restrict individuals’ ability to leave, prompting a reflection on how to cultivate a safer party culture.
Additionally, Rost talked about the Student Sexual Violence Climate Survey, which is taken every three years and will be released in this academic year. She remarked that this will be an opportunity to gauge the numbers of underreported crime. While the numbers of instances of sexual violence measured in the survey compare to a similar number than universities of Villanova’s size, Rost said,“Until [the numbers] are zero, we have work to do.”
The conversation concluded with a call for continued dialogue and engagement, reminding everyone that while public safety plays a crucial role, it ultimately falls on the community to look out for one another. This reframing emphasizes the shared responsibility individuals have in keeping each other safe.
Tedjeske encapsulated the theme of the discussion with the idea that it is “never too late to say anything.”
He noted that Public Safety has successfully investigated cases even months or years after an incident has occurred. Participants were receptive to the discussion, allowing them to collaboratively and constructively address the current challenges of sexual violence, recognizing that the path forward requires shared responsibility and proactive measures.
Sexual assault remains a significant issue on college campuses, including Villanova’s. To report a sexual assault or an act of sexual misconduct, call Public Safety at 610-519-5800; the Title IX Coordinator Ms. Ryan Rost at 610-519-8805; or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. For more information on support resources, call the Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) at 484-343-6028. For more information on Villanova’s sexual misconduct prevention and education efforts, visit: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/sexual-misconduct/education.html. For the National Sexual Assault Hotline, call 1-800-656-4673.
