The facts are disturbing. One in five women in college will be sexually assaulted before graduation, which can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. And as the survivors in The Hunting Ground detail, universities often treat them as a liability instead offering them the support they need. Things are starting to change, thanks to a strong movement for change led by many of the young women featured in The Hunting Ground. By hosting a movie screening, you’re a part of inspiring thousands of people to action. And it’s easy. Read over these tips, and email us at events@weareultraviolet.org if you have comments or questions.
If you haven’t yet, add your event to the map.
Before your event:
Invite your friends and create a Facebook event to get the word out.
Look over the sample agenda and discussion questions and modify for your needs.
Double (and triple!) check that you have access to the film. Make sure both the sound and video work on the devices you’re using. You can watch on CNN, or rent or purchase a streaming version of the film on GoWatchIt, iTunes, or Amazon.
If your event is public, check your host page regularly to see how many UltraViolet members have signed up to attend. You can also email them through your host page.
Note: You need a password to log in–this information is in the email you received when you signed up. If you need support, email us at events@weareultraviolet.org
There’s no replacement for a phone call–call everyone who RSVPed. You could also ask your guests to help–for example, you might ask someone to help with food (optional), recruitment, or leading a group discussion.
Join a host call–details coming soon!
During your event:
Welcome your guests, do introductions, and present the UltraViolet presentation.
Watch the film.
Join the conversation happening on Twitter by using the hashtag #endcampusrape and #TheHuntingGround and including @UltraViolet
Make space after the viewing to discuss what you saw and how you can take action to combat sexual assault (check out the sample agenda and discussion questions).
After your event:
This film is intense. After your guests leave, you may want to debrief the experience with someone you know and trust.
Send photos, comments, or feedback to events@weareultraviolet.org
Add attendees to the event online on your host guide (make sure you have attendees’ permission to add them).
Take Action Now:
Watch and share this video about the cost of rape.
Help students, prospective students, and their caretakers make more informed decisions: Countless high school seniors and their parents consult the Princeton Review school rankings each year. It grades schools on everything from quality of life to class size to fire safety, but it includes nothing about sexual assault. Tell the Princeton Review to include sexual assault prevention and response in its ranking of colleges.
Tell Congress to do right by survivors: Currently, Congress is considering the so-called “Safe Campuses Act,” a piece of legislation opposed by survivors and advocates. The bill would require survivors to report to the police by preventing schools from carrying out an investigation or any sort of discipline process until the police have investigated. Call your elected officials to see where they stand on this and tell them that the “Safe Campuses Act” will create more barriers for survivors, decrease reporting, and result in less safe campuses.
Pledge to stop sexual assault at It’sOnUs.org and be a part of the solution.
For more ideas on how to be an ally to survivors as a friend, student, parent, or alum, download the action toolkit from The Hunting Ground.
More resources:
SeeActStop.org
It’s On Us
End Rape On Campus
The topic of sexual violence can trigger traumatic memories for survivors. As an organizer, it is important to be sensitive. Survivors have the right to talk about their experiences on their own terms. They may simply need to talk. If you sense that a survivor needs additional support, call the appropriate campus resource or contact a national hotline: National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE (4673) or at http://ohl.rainn.org/online, National Planned Parenthood Hotline: (800) 230-PLAN (7526) National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255