Events

Rape Myths and Personal Biases:

How Culture and Life Experiences Affect our Responses to Sexual Violence Allegations

Presented by Mahri Irvine, Ph.D.

In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how cultural influences and personal biases affect people’s responses to allegations of sexual violence. Dr. Irvine will provide an overview of false report statistics, and the methodological challenges in accurately determining how many reports are actually false. Participants will learn about common psychological responses to sexual victimization, various “red flags” for false reports, and how these “red flags” can be interpreted through a trauma-informed lens. Participants will be encouraged to engage in self-reflective activities to help them explore how their “gut reactions” to sexual violence allegations might be the result of cultural influences or personal biases. Dr. Irvine will provide an overview of rape myths and rape culture, and participants will critically examine and discuss stereotypes about “real” victims and perpetrators, and how these stereotypes might affect our responses to allegations. Dr. Irvine will provide recommendations for several articles, resource guides, and training programs that are excellent resources for law enforcement officers and hearing board officers.

April 14, 2016
Campus Center Theatre
2-4pm, with a brief reception at 1:30pm

The training will be particularly beneficial for any university faculty and staff who respond to, investigate, and/or adjudicate complaints of sexual misconduct.  Advocates, counselors, programmers, and prevention specialists are also welcome.  Additionally, The Indiana University Police Department will be available to facilitate ILEA credit for law enforcement members in the State of Indiana in attendance.

We ask that attendees please register by emailing Ms. Tina Hill in the Office of Student Conduct at qbarksda@iupui.edu.