First Lady to host summit encouraging end to campus sexual assault
First Lady Sue Snyder has announced Michigan’s first campus sexual assault prevention summit to be held June 8 at the Lansing Center, downtown Lansing.
The day long “Inform. Empower. Prevent. Let’s End Campus Sexual Assault Summit.” aims to make Michigan a model state in the fight against sexual assault amongst the college age population. The summit is the first step in an ongoing campaign to inform communities, empower individuals and ultimately bring an end to campus sexual assault.
“Sexual assault has been a sensitive topic gaining national attention and I believe Michigan can and should be a leader in addressing this critical issue,” Snyder said. “As a mom whose youngest daughter will soon be a college sophomore, this issue has taken on a personal meaning.”
Co-hosted by state Sens. Tonya Schuitmaker and Rebekah Warren and state Reps. Laura Cox and Marilyn Lane, the summit is a bipartisan effort bringing together college and university representatives, legislators, law enforcement officials, and students for a series of panels and networking sessions.
“Our colleges and universities are already doing a lot of good work but there is always more that can be done. It is my hope we can change the culture surrounding assault, encourage collaborative problem solving and identify current best practices in an effort to lessen assaults on college and university campuses,” Snyder said.
The summit keynote address will be given by Gina Maisto Smith and Leslie Gomez from Pepper Hamilton LLP, two nationally recognized attorneys who have dedicated their careers to investigating and responding to sexual assault, intimate partner violence and child abuse. Smith and Gomez have a national practice dedicated to the institutional response to sexual misconduct. They help colleges and universities and K-12 schools develop policies, systems, and practices that are compassionate, trauma-informed, fair and impartial, and legally compliant.
Attendees will hear from nationally recognized experts:
Emma Hanrahan and Lauren Debski, sexual assault survivors working with the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAIN), will share their personal stories and highlight the struggles they faced.
Dr. Rebecca Campbell, Michigan State University psychology professor and nationally renowned community-based researcher will discuss the neurobiological effects victims experience when seeking help post-assault.
Casey Corcoran, program director, Futures Without Violence, will host a session examining national best practices for creating a comprehensive response to sexual violence on campus.
Dr. Antonia Abbey, Wayne State Univ. psychology professor will share research on the role of alcohol in college sexual assaults.
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