MURFREESBORO — As
part of MTSU’s continuing efforts to maintain security on campus, the
university is creating a new position to deal specifically with sexual assault
cases.
“Our desire is to help put someone in place from our
department who can work with these people who might be victims to help them
discover the right pathway for them,” said Buddy Peaster, chief of university
police.
The new coordinator will provide immediate response to
reported sexual assault incidents and help the victims navigate the university’s
judicial and administrative processes.
Other responsibilities include developing training modules,
working on campus-wide sexual assault prevention education and creation of
policies and partnerships to help reduce sexual assaults.
Peaster said situations that might require the liaison’s
assistance include, for example, getting victims out of classes attended by
alleged perpetrators or out of housing where alleged perpetrators also live.
The liaison also will work to coordinate efforts among other
on-campus entities that traditionally have dealt with sexual assault victims,
such as the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students, the
Student Counseling Center, Health Services, Health Promotion and the Office of
Institutional Equity and Compliance.
Forming partnerships with agencies in the external
community, such as Domestic Assault Program and Sexual Assault Services of
Rutherford County, also is a priority for the liaison.
Peaster said police will continue to respect victims’ privacy
while balancing privacy rights with the need to protect the public.
“We feel like our person will be able to give great guidance
and assurance to people who are really wanting to do the right thing,” Peaster
said.
The sexual assault intervention liaison coordinator’s
position is posted at MTSU’s job site at https://mtsujobs.mtsu.edu.
Applications will close on Monday, Oct. 26.
The coordinator’s position is grant-funded for three years
with renewal contingent on additional funding. However, Peaster said his
intention is that the position ultimately becomes a permanent one. He said the
tremendous growth in Murfreesboro over the past few years has resulted in a
greater need for services.
“I think we have to keep our thumb on the pulse of growth
and changes in the community, both physical and social, and provide resources
and make sure we are continuing to do the things we need to do,” Peaster said.
Six on-campus sexual offenses were reported in 2014,
according to statistics submitted by campus police for the university’s annual
security report. Two of those offenses occurred in student residences.
For more information, contact Peaster at 615-898-2426 or buddy.peaster@mtsu.edu or MTSU’s
Office of Human Resources at 615-898-2929.
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