Framework
OPEN uses a public health approach to address sexual violence in our community. This includes gathering data to better understand the issue, examining risk and protective factors at individual, relational, community, and environmental levels, implementing interventions, and assessing effectiveness.
We work to prevent harm before it occurs, to provide and promote appropriate response when harm does occur, and to intervene in order to reduce future incidents of harm.
Values
Equity-focused:
OPEN recognizes that the root causes of sexual violence are interlocking systems of oppression, including racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, etc.
As such, we know that students who hold marginalized identities are disproportionately targeted and impacted. We also acknowledge that students who hold marginalized identities often encounter structural barriers to accessing resources and support. OPEN staff strive to provide inclusive and affirming services, prevention, and education for students of all backgrounds and identities.
Evidence-informed:
OPEN staff utilize data to inform our practice and prevention work. We attend national conferences, work to stay up-to-date on research, track trends in cases, gather feedback from students, and collect and analyze Northeastern specific data about sexual violence. In response to the data and identified needs, we develop targeted prevention programming and/or adjust services. See here for more information about our data.
Trauma-informed:
OPEN staff have a deep understanding of trauma and the way it can impact those who have experienced it. We strive to provide programming and services that promote safety and honor each student’s right to define their own experience and unique pathway to healing.
Restorative-informed:
OPEN staff draw on principles of restorative justice in our work including centering the people most impacted by the harm and their needs.
We offer a “restorative-informed response” to help students move beyond feelings of isolation, sadness, shock, anger, anxiety, and self-blame towards accountability and growth.
Terms and Definitions
What is “Sexual Violence”?
OPEN uses “sexual violence” as an umbrella term to include sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and stalking. These terms and definitions come from Northeastern’s policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX, which applies to all Northeastern campuses in the US and Canada. See full policy here.
Sexual Assault
Sexual contact (intentional sexual touching of intimate body parts) or sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, or anal penetration) occurring without the consent of all parties involved and/or through the use of force, threat of force, intimidation, or coercion.
Domestic/Dating Violence
The intentional infliction of physical, sexual, or psychological harm on a current or former partner or spouse.
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s participation in a University Program or Activity or creates a hostile environment for an individual’s participation in a University Program or Activity.
Stalking
A course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their own safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.
Sexual Exploitation
Taking non-consensual sexual advantage of another. May include (1) inducing incapacitation for the purposes of sexual activity, (2) photographing, filming, audio recording sexual activity or (3) voyuerism.
Consent
A voluntary, affirmative agreement to engage in sexual activity proposed by another; it requires mutually understandable and communicated words and/or actions.
*For London specific information, visit the Northeastern University London: Policies and Procedures page. For other policy information, visit the Office for University Equity and Compliance website.
Keep in mind that Northeastern’s definitions do not reflect the exact language that other states or jurisdictions may use. If you are wondering how sexual violence and consent are defined by each state in the U.S., please visit this page from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).
Additional Terms
Survivor
OPEN often uses the term “survivor” to refer to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or abuse. Please note that some people may prefer the term “victim,” “person who has experienced sexual violence” or no label at all. While it may be helpful to know these terms, no one can define your experience but you.
Complainant
For students who pursue reporting options through the university, you may hear the term “complainant,” when working with the Office for University Equity and Compliance and the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. The University defines a Complainant as “an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute a Prohibited Offense that is reported to the university.”
Person Who Caused Harm/Person Accused of Causing Harm
OPEN uses these terms to describe students who have been accused, admitted to, or found responsible for causing any form of sexual violence or unhealthy or harmful sexual behavior.
Respondent
The University defines a Respondent as “the individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of a Prohibited Offense.” Please visit the Office for University Equity and Compliance website for more information on policies and definitions.
If you have additional questions about these definitions or how they relate to an experience you had, we encourage you to connect with an OPEN staff member for a confidential conversation. Request a meeting using this form.