Schedule A Presentation

No matter what student group you belong to, class you teach, or what department you work for, everyone can benefit from learning about gender violence and its prevention.

We offer a range of presentations related to sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking, that vary from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Presentations are free of charge for all University of Minnesota students, faculty, and staff and we can accommodate evening and weekend dates throughout the year. Presenters include staff and/or trained student Violence Prevention Educators.

Contact the Aurora Center to discuss ideas and schedule a presentation. We require at least two weeks’ notice for all presentations.

Menu of Topics

Presentation Overview

Going beyond just facts and definitions, we examine the complexities of these issues, provide audiences with everyday violence prevention skills, and teach people compassionate ways to support survivors. Below is a list of presentation titles and topics from which you can choose. We can also accommodate requests for general presentations on these issues based on the audience you have in mind.

Specific Presentations

The Green M&M Project: a reality-based examination of myths and messages about sex, power, and a culture of confusion.

This 60 - 75 minute presentation is our primary prevention education program. It aims to teach audiences how early forms of violence, in the form of attitudes and behaviors, contribute to sexual assault and relationship violence. In looking at the media, we see how messages such as, "women are always sexually available" and "men's sexuality is based in dominance" blur the line between rape and sex and make sex confusing. We also dispel many hurtful myths that wrongfully blame victims so that people can be supportive to survivors. By learning the truths behind myths about rape and sex, it gives the audience tools to interrupt this culture and speak up for an equal, fair world. For effective prevention of sexual assault, The Green M&M Project encourages ally behavior and provides skills for everyone to make a difference on an everyday basis.

Relationship Violence

Subtle forms of control, manipulative behavior, and hurtful comments are just some of the actions that an abusive person does to his or her partner. When it comes to this topic in society, people often ask "why doesn't the victim leave?" yet the real question should ask why the abuser is hurting and why doesn't he (or she) stop? This presentation will explain the various forms of abuse in relationships and explore the barriers that make it difficult for victims to leave. Audiences will also learn to be supportive by understanding the complexity of an abusive relationship and gain language to help someone they care about who may be hurting.

Alcohol/Drug - Facilitated Sexual Assault in College

Consent should be an easy concept: the initiator of a sexual act needs to make sure it's OK with his or her partner before proceeding, which includes not being incapacitated. Yet, there exists a lot of confusion in our culture about sex and consent, combined with expectations when drinking alcohol, which contribute to the prevalent issue of sexual assault. This presentation examines the culture that fosters detrimental attitudes and behaviors regarding gender, sex and alcohol while explaining the risk factors for perpetration. The audience learns about common feelings of survivors who have been sexually assaulted and how to be supportive of them. Participants also learn effective measures for prevention which include challenging unhealthy and illegal assumptions about sex and consent.

Men as Leaders in Violence Prevention

Do you find what it means to "be a man" limiting to what men really are? Do you recognize the pressure some men use to pressure women into having sex? Wish you could do something about hurtful comments some men make about women? When it comes to changing our culture, men have very important roles in preventing men's violence against women. Most men don't rape, in fact, a full 90 - 94% don't rape and never will. But the challenge for all men is choose not to contribute to the culture of violence, and instead, work for equality. We aim to engage men in taking on the issue of men’s violence against women because men are hurt, too, as a result of a culture that sells men short and impedes substantial relationships with women for them.

Understanding and Responding to Sexual and Relationship Violence in the Lives of Students

How do today’s students view sexual assault? How do they navigate the confusing cultural landscape related to relationships and sex? What can you do as a faculty or staff member to encourage healthy relationships and self respect, and what do you say if someone discloses to you that s/he has been a victim? Versions of this presentation have given to site directors of the international study abroad program and university staff who work in the study abroad office, staff of university counseling services, athletic coaches, and women leaders on campus. It is suitable for any unit that works directly with students.

Advisor and Other Faculty/Staff Training: Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence

University faculty and staff frequently have close working-relationships with students. This training provides helpful information on responding to a student (or co-worker) if s/he tells you that s/he has experienced violence. This 45-minute training prepares staff and faculty to respond confidently in an often challenging situation.

Domestic Violence in the Workplace: Training for Supervisors

This comprehensive three hour training objectives include:
a. Train participants on what the definition of domestic abuse is, the behaviors associated with it, and how it affects the workplace population;
b. Train supervisors how to respond with appropriate language and strategies in the workplace when approaching a colleague or an employee under their supervision who may be experiencing domestic violence;
c. Identify resources in the organization and community that could be used to intervene, support, and protect those involved in domestic violence;
d. Recognize how the elements of a positive, violence-free, respectful workplace for all employees enables the open communication of everyone to support employees in a domestic abuse environment. Staff Contact: Katie Eichele

Additional Ideas and Elements for Presentations

We are able to add and adjust presentation topics to your needs by combining aspects of each to best fit what you have in mind.

• Stalking/harassment
• Legal options and advocacy
• Training for residential hall staff and other campus peer leaders
• Healthy relationships
• ...and more!