The alarm for sexual assault has been on for 25 years, yet it remains a prevalent concern on college campuses across the country and even in our presidential race. Nestled in the hills of a quiet, Vermont town, Johnson is a relatively safe environment. But even Johnson’s campus is no stranger to sexual violence.

 
With increased awareness of sexual assault in the media and among college officials, it seems unthinkable that students continue to experience sexual assault in the United States as part of their college experience. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), 23 percent of female and five percent of male undergraduate students are victims of assault each year. According to Dean of Students Michele Whitmore, in the years 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Johnson received four reports of sexual assault. Sexual assault, for this purpose, is defined as, “An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest or statutory rape.” Despite having a lower sexual assault rate than some colleges, Whitmore says that one violation on campus is too many.

 
Student safety is a priority at Johnson, leading to the establishment of numerous sexual assault prevention programs and education efforts provided to the college community. These programs include a Campus Clarity On-line Program, “Think about it,” which thoroughly addresses sexual assault and misconduct, and is expected to be completed by all students within the academic year; on-campus presentations throughout the academic year beginning in orientation, including performances like Equalogy Theater’s “One Night”; weekly campus presence and ongoing collaboration with the Clarina Howard Nichols Center (CHNC), which provides advocacy programs to survivors of domestic and sexual assault; “Staying Safe on Campus” brochure provided for all students during orientation and an upcoming self defense class in collaboration with the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department.

 
Many of these programs provide education on how to maintain healthy relationships, speak up in the case of sexual or domestic violence, and emphasize consent. All students have received emails from Public Safety listing precautions to avoid situations where sexual assault could occur. Students are encouraged not to walk alone at night, avoid being alone with someone unfamiliar and use the blue phones on campus if they feel in danger.

 
Whitmore claims these programs not only prevent people from being sexually assaulted but keep people from committing assault.

 
However, some think we need to change the way we view sexual assault prevention. Whitmore encourages the emergence of new policies which would better maintain a safe community. “Each year we review our current policies, practices and procedures in addition to the existing campus safety measures we have in place, such as emergency phones throughout the campus, residence hall building and room security, and residence hall lobby cameras,” she says.

 
These procedures are designed to keep possible perpetrators of violence and sexual assault out, but fail to touch upon the most common form of assault: acquaintance rape. If the victim is familiar with the rapist, these safety precautions may not prevent sexual assault. To keep students safe, Johnson needs to continue to emphasize consent.

 
Colleen Twomey, a CHNC employee and JSC alumni, is working with students to create more tools around actively supporting sexual assault survivors on campus. She’s hoping to see the Women’s Center become an active space for engagement and awareness. Above all, she wants students to know what resources CHNC provides, and to empower students to take a stand against sexual assault.

 
Prevention education is about bringing awareness to issues that are often in the shadows of our conversations, which begins with recognizing rape culture. “We all play a role in creating violence-free communities,” Twomey says. She understands the importance of stopping victim blaming and creating a culture of zero tolerance for sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking behaviors.

 
“We need to hold the perpetrators in our communities accountable for committing sexual assault,” she says. “Sexual assault is nobody’s fault except for the perpetrator.”

 
Twomey, like many others advocating for sexual violence prevention, believes people should be able to go to parties, go on dates and walk alone at night without the fear of rape.

 
As a survivor of sexual assault, Johnson student Kylann Tanner advocates for sexual violence prevention on campus. For Tanner, educating the public on sexual assault has become part of her mission to foster a safer campus. Through the Women’s and CHNC centers, she was able to organize a silent walk for Sexual Violence Awareness Month this past year.

 
“The biggest thing we can do is not only let people know this happens, but for victims and survivors to know that they have support,” Tanner says. The Wellness Center has provided Tanner and other survivors with the resources they need to feel secure. However, Tanner recognizes that changes to better strengthen student safety are in continuous progress. She says these changes could include a martial arts program, which would teach men and women to protect themselves.

 
Tanner would like to see the prevalence of rape culture and sexual violence disappear from society. Despite uncertainty if that will ever happen, she knows awareness is the first step towards a better future: “The biggest step we’ve made as a society is talking about [sexual assault]. Just saying this happens, that it’s not rare, that I’m not the only one, makes a huge difference.”

 
In a hopeful glance towards Johnson’s future, Whitmore added, “It’s likely that new policies and services will be established to maintain a safe community. Student safety is a priority at Johnson State and we will continue to enhance student personal and overall campus safety within our community.”

 
For those affected by domestic or sexual assault, it’s crucial to remember: it’s not your fault. There is a 24/7 campus help line through the CHNC (888-5256), and Johnson Staff encourage survivors of assault to reach out to trusted faculty members, the Wellness Center, friends and family for further support. Johnson provides full support and information for any student wishing to file a formal report with the college, with outside services such as the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, or both.

 
Students also have the option to file a confidential report through the Wellness Center or through CHNC. An annual training is provided to all JSC staff members who are designated Policy 311 or Policy 311A contacts and investigators, provided by Vermont State College Legal Counsel Staff or outside agencies who specialize in sexual assault.