Monday, Mar. 19, 2012

UC Merced campus advocate helps violence victims

By VICTOR A. PATTON

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A generous stack of cardboard boxes filled with light gray T-shirts inhabits a corner of Patricia Bauer's office at UC Merced.

Printed on the front of each shirt in blue letters is the message: "I Will __________." On the back are the words "What Will You Do?"

Each T-shirt isn't complete until its wearer fills in the blank with a description of how he or she plans to help prevent rape and domestic violence in their community.

It's not uncommon to see Bauer handing those T-shirts out to students on campus, or giving a presentation on how to help someone who's been a victim of sexual assault.

"We know these things happen, we know that they're common, but it's our job to do something to change it, to step in if we see a situation where violence is happening or might happen," says Bauer.

Bauer's role at UC Merced goes far beyond handing out T-shirts to students. Case in point, when someone has experienced sexual assault or violence, Bauer is always available to offer compassionate hugs, a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on.

For two years Bauer, 28, has worked as a campus advocate and prevention specialist for UC Merced's Violence Prevention Program, a grant-funded position created as a partnership between the campus and Valley Crisis Center. University officials say Bauer's role at the campus is crucial, in terms of having someone available to provide resources and information to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence or stalking in an environment that's completely confidential.

But Bauer also takes a proactive approach, holding regular presentations and student seminars geared toward creating a college culture where students work together to prevent such incidents. Bauer, a lifelong Merced County resident, first became motivated to get involved as a victims' rights advocate while she was a student at California State University, Stanislaus, in 2007. She began by volunteering at an area domestic violence shelter, an experience she called very "eye-opening."

Bauer was particularly struck by the prevalence of sexual assault and domestic violence, and how often those crimes go unreported.

"Seeing that, and getting to know people in that situation, made it real for me," Bauer said. "I believe it's wrong and I believe that I can do something to create change. And part of that is just creating a safe space for someone to come in, to talk about what's going on -- a place where they are validated, they are believed and empowered."

Numbers tell the story

Numbers from the program lend credence to its importance and the value of Bauer's on-campus role.

Last year, 56 students received advocacy services from the program. Of that number, 19 students said they were sexually assaulted, 26 reported domestic/dating violence, and 11 were for stalking. Of those 56 students, 10 reported the crimes to UC Merced police, while 17 reported the crime to other law enforcement agencies.

In 2010, 23 students received advocacy services from the program. Of that number, seven students said they were sexually assaulted, 12 reported domestic/dating violence and four reported stalking. Of those 23 students, three reported the crimes to UC Merced police, while nine reported the crimes to other law enforcement agencies.

Of the 26 sexual assaults reported to the program in 2010-11, 21 of the victims were acquainted with their assailant. Although the vast majority who received services from the program are female, there are men who've also reported being victims of sexual assault or violence.

Bauer makes it clear her role isn't to force anyone to report the crime to law enforcement, but to listen, give support and provide access to resources that victims need.

"My job as an advocate is really to provide information and to help this person gain control over their life," Bauer said. "Because they are coming from a situation where they've had that control taken away."

The reasons why some victims don't report the crimes are varied. Bauer said some are embarrassed and humiliated, while others may fear the reactions they'll receive from friends and family.

"Imagine sitting and talking to a stranger about your last consensual sexual experience in full detail," Bauer explained. "Now think about that when it was a sexual experience that you didn't want to happen and was forced on you. Imagine how much harder it would be to talk about that with someone that you don't know, or a police officer you have never seen before, and having to do it over and over again."

Others may have negative perceptions of the justice system, based on prior experiences.

"As an advocate I can explain what that process is, and be there while they are reporting it," Bauer said.

UC Merced Police Chief Rita Spaur, who spearheaded getting the campus advocate position at the campus, said the role is necessary because sexual assault and violence remain an issue at all college campuses, regardless of size.

Spaur said some statistics suggest one in four college women has been a victim of rape or attempted sexual assault. According to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, an average of one person is sexually assaulted every two minutes in the United States. Although about 213,000 sexual assaults are reported to police each year, according to RAINN, about 60 percent are never reported to law enforcement.

Spaur said the campus and her department have worked to create a culture of awareness around issues of sexual assault, making the needs of victims a top priority and educating students about how they can help.

"We want people to feel safe and stay safe," Spaur said.

To help achieve that goal, incoming students at the university must attend a violence prevention and intervention program, which Bauer helps facilitate. Throughout the year, Bauer also holds workshops with students, male and female, teaching them tools to help assist victims of sexual assault and violence.

"We do a lot of bystander interventions, talking about how it's our job as a community to step up and talk about these forms of violence," she said.

Award-winning

On a related note, UC Merced's violence prevention program is also receiving an award from the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus for supporting the cause of crime victims. The program was nominated for the award by Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, and Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno.

Kari Mansager, director of UC Merced's violence prevention program, said Bauer's efforts on campus played an active role in making it a safer place. She will travel to Washington, D.C., with Bauer in April to receive the award.

"She's very patient, she's very real and honest," Mansager said.

Chief Spaur had high praise for Bauer's work on campus. Spaur noted that while some victims often want to drop out of school after experiencing an assault, Bauer has helped many garner the courage to complete their education and reach their goals.

"Her role is extremely important and she has done such a fabulous job in serving not only our students but faculty and staff," Spaur said.

Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Charles Neis said Bauer's work in supporting survivors of sexual abuse and violence is critical to the university.

"They are often confused, not sure where to turn and what avenues are available to them," Neis said. "The guidance and support that she gives is invaluable in helping them through such a very traumatic time."

Although Bauer knows that she alone can't stop every incident of sexual assault and violence, she hopes the ripple effects of her actions will cause others to take action in turning the tide.

"This type of violence is not inevitable. The root causes of it are things that we can change," Bauer said. "I'm doing what I can to create a community of equality and a community that's safe."

If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, call the Valley Crisis Center hotline at (209) 722-4357.

Managing Editor Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .