By A Philadelphia, PA and NJ Sex Abuse Lawyer
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On January 29, 2016, Governor Tom Wolf helped kicked off the “It’s On Us PA” campaign to prevent sexual assaults in Pennsylvania high schools and on college campuses. Wolf announced the campaign at Elizabeth College and stated that Pennsylvania is the first state to respond to President Obama’s “It’s On Us” campaign, which called for a crusade against sexual assault.
Related: Sexually Assaulted at College in Pennsylvania or New Jersey – What are Your Legal Rights?
Wolf hopes that the campaign will promote awareness, education, and bystander intervention to end sexual assault on campus. In addition, Wolf said that his administration has 3 goals for the campaign:
- to improve awareness about school and campus sexual assault, the reporting system and the responding process to sexual assault;
- to reduce or eliminate barriers that keep sex crime victims from reporting sexual abuse; and
- to demonstrate that PA is committed to eradicating sexual abuse/assault.
Sexual assault in high school and college campuses is a serious problem. In fact, 1 in 5 college women are sexually assaulted. 20% of high school girls between the age of 14 and 17 are sexually assaulted by someone they know or trust, such as a classmate, friend or family member.
Over 40 Pennsylvania colleges signed the pledge, and Wolf hopes that many more will join. The “It’s On Us PA” Pledge says:
It’s On Us To:
- Recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault.
- Identify situations in which sexual assault may occur.
- Intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given.
- Create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.
The pledge is not only for schools and school administrators, students, parents and members of the community can also sign the pledge. Take the pledge now.
Pennsylvania Schools Under Investigation
Currently, numerous colleges across the country are under investigation for possible violations of federal law with regard to handling of sexual violence and harassment complaints. Five of them are in Pennsylvania:
- Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh,
- Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster,
- Pennsylvania State University in Harrisburg,
- Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, and
- Temple University in Philadelphia
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently released a list of the higher education institutions under investigation for possible violations of federal law over the handling of sexual violence and harassment complaints.
When PA schools mishandle sexual violence and harassment complaints, they may be civilly liable for the victims’ injuries and damages. Guy D’Andrea, Esq. is a former sex crimes unit prosecutor who is now a civil Pennsylvania and New Jersey sex abuse lawyer. He has helped numerous victims of sex abuse in PA, NJ and Delaware. Mr. he also regularly handles cases in other states by obtaining special court admission (pro hac vice) and offers FREE confidential consultations. Click To Call
DISCLAIMER: This website does not create any attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. It is crucial to speak to a qualified lawyer prior to making any decision about your case. Read full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Source: www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-web-pa-campus-sexual-assault-campaign-20160129-story.html (Pennsylvania starts campaign to end campus, school sex crime)
