Student Involvement
The Title IX Office supports student groups whose work promote the importance of sexual respect at Dartmouth.
Sexual Assault Peer Alliance (SAPA)
SAPAs are a group of Dartmouth Students invested in providing, informed, empathic, and empowerment-based support to Dartmouth students impacted by sexual and gender-based violence. They have completed a 34-hour comprehensive training program and are equipped with specialized knowledge in gender-based violence, the impact of such violence, campus resources, and providing positive, peer-advocacy support to fellow students.
If you or your friends have been affected by sexual assault or intimate partner violence, the SAPAs are a trained peer resource available to help you.
Email SAPA
Like us on Facebook
Philosophy
The philosophy of the SAPA program is based upon the following shared beliefs and values:
- The victim is never at fault for any assault or violence that they may encounter.
- Healthy sexual relationships are consensual and never coercive or exploitative.
- Sexual assault or intimate partner violence can happen to anyone, and sexual or intimate partner violence can be committed by anyone.
- Every victim is the expert in their own healing process.
- Sexual violence is a community issue.
Training
Each SAPA has completed 34 hours of training. SAPAs are required to attend two 2-hour classes a week for 7 weeks of the term and are also required to attend an all-day retreat which takes place on a weekend towards the end of the term. The training provides SAPAs with the knowledge and skills to be an informed resource to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. SAPAs are trained to: provide compassionate response; utilize crisis intervention methods; understand medical and mental health considerations and resources; have knowledge of judicial and legal services and procedures; and talk to survivors about their various options. Training is offered 1-2 terms per year.
Expectations of Active SAPAs
Once training is complete, active SAPAs are expected to attend meetings as a group throughout the term where they receive booster training, debrief their experiences, plan and coordinate outreach, and continue to build community within the group of active SAPAs.
Sexual Violence Prevention
There are a number of ways that students can get involved with the Sexual Violence Prevention Project (SVPP) that range based on a student's area of interest, skills, and time commitment. Check-out the SVPP Get Involved page to learn more about being a Student Facilitator, member of the Student Advisory Board, Internships, and more!
For questions, email SVPP@Dartmouth.edu
Student and Presidential Committee on Sexual Assault (SPCSA)
The purpose of SPCSA is to serve as an intermediary between students and the larger Dartmouth College community including the administration, faculty, and alumni of the college. One of the main functions of the SPCSA is to plan and implement cross-campus initiatives to address sexual violence, including but not limited to: advising the administration and student groups about sexual assault; engaging faculty; and promoting community-wide programs. We also aim to enhance the effectiveness of and communication between other working groups and individuals.
Learn More