On Monday, October 18, 2021, building on his successful It’s On Us PA initiative, Governor Tom Wolf unveiled a four-bill package that will further strengthen protections for students and combat sexual assaults on campuses.
The governor was joined at a capitol news conference by students, legislators and the national leader of It’s On Us, a movement fighting against sexual assault on college campuses for both men and women.
Parts of the governor’s four-bill package would teach middle and high school students to know and prevent dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment and stalking. While the Crime Victims Act outlines requirements for expelling a student for an assault on school grounds, this bill requires schools to provide preventative education for students in grades 7-12. This will help students to recognize and stop harmful and dangerous behaviors, relationships and situations, and better prepare young people before they arrive on college campuses. SB 785 is sponsored by Sen. Judith Schwank and HB 1490 is sponsored by Rep. Jessica Benham.
“Pennsylvania has had success working with colleges and universities to establish sexual violence reporting systems that ensure all students feel comfortable coming forward,” said Sen. Judy Schwank. “However, we need to continue this work and start addressing this issue before students reach college campuses. SB 785 would require schools to teach 7th through 12th grade students to identify and prevent dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking to help equip young people with these important skills. These measures are proactive and will allow Pennsylvania to continue to make progress on this issue.”
The package would also create a task force to study sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking in grades 6-12 and postsecondary institutions. The Joint State Government Commission would conduct the study to better understand student experiences and improve response efforts. SR 122 is sponsored by Sen. Vince Hughes and HR 108 is sponsored by Rep. Carol Hill-Evans.
“As a society, we must understand the physical, mental, and emotional toll the trauma of sexual assault has on each individual,” said Rep. Carol Hill-Evans. “That is why in June I introduced HR 108, which directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the impact of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking on Commonwealth students enrolled in grades 6 through 12 and beyond. We simply must begin having these discussions earlier in our students’ educational experience with the hope of having a positive impact as they transition to postsecondary institutions and through life. Thank you to Governor Wolf for his statewide initiative following the national It’s On Us campaign to involve everyone in preventing sexual assault.”
According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 418,000 victims of sexual violence under age 18 in Pennsylvania. Nationwide, one in three female victims experience rape between the ages of 11 and 17 and one in four male victims experiencing rape before the age of 10.
“I am proud to stand here today with Governor Wolf, Pennsylvanian Students, and the legislators who will carry these bills in the Pennsylvania Legislature,” said Tracey Vitchers, executive director, It’s On Us. “These bills would strengthen the rights of students, and require colleges and universities, as well as K-12 schools across the commonwealth to do better by our youth and young adults. By passing these critical pieces of legislation we will make strides to prevent sexual assault and protect the rights of student survivors across the commonwealth.”
Protecting students from violence and shifting to prevention strategies has been a priority for Gov. Wolf. After taking office the governor launched It’s On Us PA, the nation’s first statewide campaign to prevent assaults on campus.
Governor Wolf invites everyone to take the It’s On Us PA pledge and play a role in ending sexual assault.
To access photos and video from the event, please visit PACast.