Sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking are significant issues facing women today, and college age women are particularly at risk. 1 in 5 women will be the victim of attempted or completed sexual assault during her college years. In 2009, the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that young women in college experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence.

With these sobering statistics in mind, The Avon Foundation for Women provided support  to Futures Without Violence,, to launch a groundbreaking campaign to address dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault on college campuses.

Futures Without Violence recently released, Beyond Title IX: Guidelines for Prevention and Responding to Gender Based Violence in HIgher Education, outlining how best to create and promote a campus norm of interpersonal respect and non-violent relationships. These guidelines are available to colleges and universities to adapt and implement on their campuses. Utilizing a policy that addresses multiple forms of violence in a comprehensive manner will help to increase the number and effectiveness of prevention and early intervention programs. This policy initiative focuses on providing campuses with the tools and resources to promote healthy relationships and better help those affected by violence.

Current policies that deal with violence against women on campus do not cover the wide range of offenses that women face on a daily basis. Title IX asserts that students should be protected from sexual harassment on campus (sexual assault is included as a form of harassment). However, Title 9 does not protect students from domestic violence or stalking. It is a crucial next step in the rights of women on campus to find a way to provide empowering options for victims of all crimes of a gendered nature.