Rape Prevention Resource #2

Our rape resource project is an integration of sexual assault/rape discussion in the already implemented sexual education in the public schools.  In our initial research, we found that the curriculum used in the school already discusses sexual assault and rape.  However, we were unable to gain access to the curriculum. 

So, I called up the high school (the age group we are focused on) and scheduled a meeting with the health teacher to speak about the FLASH curriculum.  FLASH is the Family Life and Sexual Health curriculum that is utilized at Pullman High School. 

And I had a really great conversation with the health teacher.  I found that the curriculum is pretty comprehensive as it stands and that the lessons that deal with sexual assault (coercion and consent & healthy relationships) were pretty comprehensive.  However, we did notice that there were a few aspects that could be adjusted to make the resource more direct when in discussing sexual assault. 

First, the integration of using the word rape.  (The scripted curriculum currently doesn't utilize the word 'rape)'.  Especially since a sexual assault can be different than a rape.  As it currently stands, the teacher can't use the word 'rape' unless the student brings it up.  And while the teacher told me that students naturally bring up the word, the integration of this word in the curriculum would make it explicit. 

The second thing would be integration of current cases, including the use of target testimony (whether in video or in person).  This would create a reality of this problem in our society.  Too often students, in their 'invincibility', don't realize that rape occurs and that it is a problem.  Adhering to the current use of scenarios, the cases would be framed as a scenario in which the student would contemplate how the situation ended or what the target should do.  After sharing their perspective, the students would be informed about the real nature of the event and told the outcome.

Finally, a transition from the 'no means no' campaign to a 'yes means yes' campaign.  Currently, the curriculum focuses on 'no means no', but framing consent as a 'yes means yes' would be more impactful.  This would include instruction on teaching students to voice their boundaries.  For, it is important that students know that their sexual decisions are their own and not anyone else.  While this last aspect would be controversial for many parents, it is still fundamental that students know that they need to voice their consent with a 'yes' for clear understanding.