Universities must do more to stop sexual abuse of students

Universities must do more in response to the abuse of their female students on social media, after another exploitative Facebook group has been discovered, says Wellington Rape Crisis.

Wellington Rape Crisis extends its support to the women affected by the page, where photos of women were exchanged by men without their consent for the sexual gratification of others on the page.

“Groups like this are participating in sexually abusive behaviour,” says Eleanor Butterworth, Wellington Rape Crisis agency manager. “As a community, we have to name this for what it is and deal with it more effectively.”

“The only reason to post someone’s private photos online without their consent is to degrade and humiliate them. It is sexual abuse and we need to stop buying into the idea that these pages are jokes or are about “naming and shaming” the women they are targeting.”

Eleanor Butterworth says that attitudes like “boys will be boys” minimises the harm which is done and sends the message that some sexual abuse is acceptable.

“Commentators like Paul Henry keep referring to these people as “kids” or “boys”. They are grown men, and they must be held accountable for the damage they are doing. We should be thinking about the impact their actions have had on their victims.

Wellington Rape Crisis urges universities to develop better policies for responding to sexual violence on campus.

“Otago University’s statement that it will wait for a formal complaint to act is not enough. It should be taking proactive steps to protect its students from sexual abuse and make it’s processes accessible for those already affected,” says Eleanor Butterworth.

Women at Otago University could not know for sure which of their fellow students might have taken part in the Facebook group.

“We have heard that some of the participants are involved in the student union. How are victims meant to get help if they can’t trust people in positions of power to take this issue seriously?”

Dunedin Rape Crisis will hold a demonstration against rape culture this Saturday from 12:30 at the Octagon and are available to support women affected by the page.

“We urge everyone who is concerned by this incident to make their voices heard and urge Otago University to take sexual abuse seriously.”

ENDS

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