Contact: Judy Singer, Director of Development
International Student House
1825 R Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tel.: 202-232-4007 x210
Email: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2014
International Student House (ISH) of Washington, DC will present a symposium on Breaking the Silence: Addressing Sexual Assault on Campus on Thursday, May 1, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at 1825 R Street, NW, Washington, DC. Distinguished speakers include Senator Robert Casey (Democrat – Pennsylvania); a representative from the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assualt; Major General Jeffrey Snow, Director of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response at the Department of Defense; and others from the fields of advocacy, education and personal experience. Topics include current legislation, campus sexual-assault policies, sexual assault prevention and response programming and resources for students and bystanders.
The event is prompted by President Obama’s call to action and the establishment of a task force to protect students from sexual assault. With one out of every five women and one out of every 33 men in college experiencing sexual assault, it is an issue that is now demanding the attention of politicians, academics and the media. Incoming freshmen are the primary target; studies find that 63% of accusers are first year students.
ISH-DC believes this timely symposium reflects a concern and outrage on this issue that transcends generations and cultures. Founded in 1936, ISH-DC builds life-long connections among a diverse community of graduate students, academics and post-graduate interns. Over 10,000 resident scholars representing over 140 countries, including the United States, have passed through the doors of ISH-DC since our founding. Residents are offered a multitude of activities throughout the year that instill a spirit of cooperation while building a solid understanding of US culture, government and business. Through our in-depth programs and focus on cross-cultural dialogue, ISH-DC strives to be a model international community and represents “soft diplomacy” at its best.
Throughout the month of April, International Student House of DC’s resident scholars are participating in activities designed to raise awareness on this issue. These activities include a self-defense class as well as bystander intervention training.
International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization located near Dupont Circle in the heart of Washington, DC. Donations will help support our mission to provide an exceptional residential experience to a highly diverse international community of graduate students, interns and visiting scholars. The House promotes inter-cultural dialogue, encourages life-long connections, and fosters global citizenship.