‘Non-stranger sexual assault’ reported at UC Berkeley – The Berkeley Scanner

Report on Campus Safety Incident at UC Berkeley in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Incident Summary

1. On November 1st, a non-stranger sexual assault occurred within a University of California, Berkeley, on-campus residence hall.
2. The incident was subsequently reported to campus officials, distinct from the University of California Police Department (UCPD).
3. A notification was disseminated to the campus community via the university’s Safety App on the following Tuesday. The alert contained limited information to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
4. An official investigation is currently underway. No arrests have been made at this time.

Institutional Response and Alignment with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The university’s handling of the incident reflects the principles of SDG 16, which calls for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. The dissemination of a safety alert, while limited in detail, represents an institutional mechanism for community awareness. The ongoing investigation by campus authorities is a critical step toward ensuring accountability and access to justice for the survivor (Target 16.3). Furthermore, the university’s promotion of survivor support resources demonstrates a commitment to building responsive institutions that address the needs of all community members and work to reduce all forms of violence (Target 16.1).

Implications for Gender Equality and Well-being (SDG 5 & SDG 3)

This incident directly challenges the progress toward key Sustainable Development Goals related to human dignity and health.

• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Sexual assault is a severe form of gender-based violence. This event underscores the urgent need to advance Target 5.2, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls. Ensuring a safe campus environment is fundamental to achieving gender equality and empowering all students.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The physical, mental, and emotional trauma resulting from sexual violence is a significant public health issue. By providing and publicizing survivor support services, the university is taking steps to promote mental health and well-being (Target 3.4) and provide essential care for those affected by violence.

Impact on Educational Environment and Community Safety (SDG 4 & SDG 11)

The safety of the campus environment is inextricably linked to the university’s core mission and its role within the broader community.

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): A prerequisite for quality education is a safe, non-violent, and inclusive learning environment. Incidents of this nature can create a climate of fear that detracts from the educational experience and undermines the principles of a culture of peace and non-violence promoted in Target 4.7.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): University campuses are integral parts of urban communities. Achieving Target 11.7, which calls for universal access to safe and inclusive public spaces, requires that institutions like UC Berkeley actively work to prevent violence and ensure the safety of all individuals within their jurisdiction.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article’s central theme is a “non-stranger sexual assault.” Sexual assault is a form of gender-based violence, which is a primary focus of SDG 5. The goal aims to end all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses a crime, the response from campus authorities and the police, and the ongoing investigation. This connects directly to SDG 16, which focuses on reducing violence, promoting the rule of law, ensuring access to justice, and building effective, accountable institutions. The mention that the incident was “reported to campus officials” and that the “investigation is ongoing” relates to justice and institutional processes.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The assault occurred in an “on-campus residence hall” at UC Berkeley. A safe environment is a prerequisite for quality education. Incidents of violence on campus undermine the safety of the learning environment, which is a key concern of SDG 4.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Sexual violence has severe consequences for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of survivors. The article mentions that the university directs community members to its “survivor support website,” acknowledging the need for resources to address the health impacts of such trauma, which aligns with the goal of promoting well-being.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 5 (Gender Equality):
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. The report of a “non-stranger sexual assault” is a direct example of the type of violence this target aims to eliminate.
2. Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The sexual assault described is an act of violence that this target seeks to reduce.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. The article’s focus on the incident being “reported to campus officials,” the ongoing investigation, and the fact that “no arrests have been made” all pertain to the process of seeking justice and the functioning of law enforcement and institutional authorities.
3. Under SDG 4 (Quality Education):
   • Target 4.A: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all. The assault taking place in an “on-campus residence hall” directly challenges the safety of the learning environment, making this target highly relevant.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 5.2:
   • Indicator 5.2.2: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by age and place of occurrence. The article provides a specific data point for this indicator: a “non-stranger sexual assault” that “occurred in an on-campus residence hall.” The reference to CrimeMapping data on another “sex crime report” also serves as a measure of this indicator.
2. For Target 16.1:
   • Indicator 16.1.3: Proportion of population subjected to (a) physical violence, (b) psychological violence and (c) sexual violence in the previous 12 months. The reported sexual assault is a direct instance that would be counted under this indicator. The article’s mention that “UCPD has received only one other sex crime report in its jurisdiction in the past six months” is a form of tracking this data.
3. For Target 16.3:
   • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms. The article explicitly states that the “incident was later reported to campus officials,” which is a direct measure of this indicator. It further specifies that the report was made to “a campus authority other than police,” providing detail on the reporting mechanism.
4. For Target 4.A:
   • The article implies the measurement of a safe learning environment. The occurrence of a sexual assault in a residence hall indicates a failure in providing a completely safe environment. Conversely, the university’s response through a “Safety App” and a “survivor support website” can be seen as institutional measures to improve safety and support, which are aspects of creating a safer learning environment.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: berkeleyscanner.com