University of Maryland & its Sexual Harassment Collaboration

Rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment are some of the most heinous crimes that can ever be perpetrated. Thankfully, there are a lot of programs & initiatives that have been undertaken by various agencies, bodies, and universities in collaboration across America. One such highly acclaimed initiative is the between Rape & Sexual Assault Prevention Program or RSAPP in association with University of Maryland (UM) and its many departments.

A Two Pronged Approach

Many sexual harassment attorneys who are familiar with the rising numbers of such cases as well as with the above mentioned initiative say that the approach taken by RSAPP and the university is highly commendable. Unlike many piece-meal and ad hoc programs, the initiative has tackled the issue quite strategically.

A Different Type of Education

One part of the program consists of a school-based component while the other has a much broader community-orientation to it. Sexual harassment attorneys point out that as teasing, bullying, date violence, sexual abuse, as well as rape affects the lives of the young, a program that is specifically tailored to the student community is indeed crucial. This school-based sexual assault and harassment prevention program would indeed come as a blessing to many students who have to face such humiliation. It is a comprehensive educational and prevention program to highlight the crime and help others avoid it.

The Underlining Theme

The other component is the wider community based one. Apart from hotline services, educational seminars, training programs, as well as instructional print materials, RSAPP, in association with the human resources department of the UM, also provides financial grants and support to eighteen rape recovery centers across Maryland. The program also highlights the rights of the victims through education, program assistance, as well as legislation on a statewide level. Sexual harassment attorneys who fight on behalf of their clients say that such programs by reputed bodies and educational centers go a long way in tacking the menace of sexual crimes both at an individual as well as at the community level.