This DeCal will cover some main topic areas within sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) in order to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of where our current issues towards sexual violence stem from, how we can best contribute to the healing and support of survivors, and how we can strive towards health equity and a more holistic understanding of sexual violence and harassment at the population level, each through the lens of public health knowledge and practice. We will first learn about the historical foundation, both legislative and cultural, of sexual violence and sexual harassment. Issues of prior policy, societal norms and expectations for women, struggles for reproductive health equity, and institutional issues regarding the social determinants of health will all be covered in this first topic area. We will then cover the healing, support, and advocacy for survivors in our second topic area through learning about and discussing PATH to Care at Berkeley, successful community-based organizations such as women’s shelters and Planned Parenthood, and the #MeToo movement and grassroots advocacy work. The final topic area will cover related issues in sexual violence and sexual harassment centered on health and gender inequity and societal beliefs. In this section, we will discuss domestic violence, homelessness, sexual violence, and current issues such as abortion law and Roe v Wade.

This course is intended for all students who have an interest in public health, SVSH, advocacy, and equity. No prior coursework is expected but successful students will engage thoughtfully with the material and can utilize knowledge from other areas of study or lived experience to promote discussion and reflection.