College Officials Gather For Summit On Preventing Sexual Violence

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- A sexual violence prevention summit aimed at colleges and universities started Thursday in St. Paul.

The summit is the first of its kind in Minnesota.

Employees from more than 55 campuses around the state are slated to meet with advocates to discuss preventing, responding and investigating sexual assaults at colleges across the state.

The summit will be held Thursday and Friday at Metro State University.

About 300 campus staff and sexual assault advocates from around the state are expected to attend.

The summit will examine the problem of campus assaults and ways to help keep students safe.

The planning committee started working with the Minnesota Legislature last year when lawmakers asked for input on legislation to improve responses to campus sexual assaults and prevention.

With the legislation going into effect in August, organizers wanted to take their efforts and action a step further.

Organizers say the summit will help school administrators and prevention staff implement effective, comprehensive prevention programs, share learnings across campuses, and foster relationships among campus professionals who work to address sexual violence.

There are more 20 workshops during the summit. The topics include stalking, harassment and protecting the confidentiality of survivors.