Background
In reviewing OSU's efforts in relation to state and national frameworks, and based on the findings of last spring’s program review, we acknowledge the excellent work provided by many committed partners and stakeholders across the Oregon State community. We also acknowledge areas in need of improvement, additional investment and growth. Importantly, we have identified an opportunity to elevate primary prevention and strengthen alignment and collaboration among OSU’s network of stakeholders, both on and off campus.
Interpersonal and gender-based violence presents a significant public health concern for OSU and universities across the country. Our overall aim as an institution is to end all forms of interpersonal and gender-based violence at OSU — a tall order, but one we believe must be achieved and sustained. Making measurable progress toward this aim is a shared responsibility, one that will require individual and institutional commitment and collaboration.
We further aim to build a trauma-informed university, where all members of the OSU community have a role to play in recognizing the signs and impacts of trauma and respond to survivors in a compassionate and trauma-informed manner. We recognize oppression as the root cause of violence, and that racism, sexism, ableism and other forms of oppression impact marginalized and vulnerable community members at higher rates. To ensure that our prevention, response and support efforts are working to address root causes of violence we are committing to continuously evaluating and reshaping our university culture to focus on equity, inclusion, civility and respect.