1984 Sexual Assault Task Force - Letter from Office of the Dean of Students to UVA Student Council

Office of the Dean of Students, University of Virginia

1984-06-22

UVA Special Collections, RG-23/2/4.961
Student Council Office Administrative Files 1972-1995
Box 16

Dear Carole:

Representatives from the City of Charlottesville, County of Albemarle, and the University of Virginia are serving as a steering committee to cooperatively form a task force for the prevention of sexual assault. A steering committee, comprised of individuals on the list attached to this letter, has been meeting periodically during the month of June. The steering committee met 19 June, 1984, and proceeded to list individuals who should serve on the projected task force for prevention of sexual assault. These individuals were encouraging that University students be involved with the committee. As we divided responsibilities, it was given to me to invite students to participate. It is my understanding that the task force members will be asked to spend approximately 4-5 hours a month over the next six month period in order to:

1) Increase the awareness in the community of the problem of sexual assault;
2) Make recommendations for:

a) Coordination of resources among interested agencies and groups;
b) New programs and policies for sexual assault prevention.

In order to achieve these goals the proposed tasks are:
1) Identify the extent and demographics of reported sexual assaults in the community;
2) Identify the current community attitudes toward sexual assault;
3) Identify and evaluate the current relevant programs/strategies both in the Charlottesville-Albemarle community and other communities;
4) Compile a report on the findings and recommendations of the task force for evaluation and implementation by governing bodies, affected agencies, and community groups.

The task force will be expected to report to the combined City/County/ University bodies within six months of its formation.

This will be a relatively large task force comprised of people from the community and the University. It will not only be an interesting experience for you but will be an important opportunity for you to invest in a better quality of life for men and women at the University and in the community at large. It is certainly my hope that you would allow me to recommend your name to be nominated as a member of this task force. At the steering committee meeting on July 17. we will be compiling the final list of names for President Hereford to appoint as members of the task
force. I will be leaving for vacation on 30 June, and need to send notice to the steering committee of your willingness to serve prior to that date. Please call or write and indicate your interest in serving as soon as possible.

Thank you very much for considering what 1 fee1 is an opportunity to contribute and to learn. I look forward to hearing from you.


Sincerely,
Sybil R. Todd
Associate Dean of Students

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