Public health nursing and the issue of trust in campus sexual assault

AbstractPublic Health Nurses are the largest group of public health practitioners in both local and state health departments across the United States. Essential for the delivery of health services in the community, Public Health Nurses frequently provide care for underserved and vulnerable populations. Among these populations are the victims of campus sexual assault, a growing problem on college and university campuses. Both nationally and internationally, sexual assault has been described as a public health and human rights concern. With the signing of the Senate Bill 967 in California, affirmative consent, known as “yes means yes,” requires both parties in a sexual encounter to give voluntary and affirmative consent. Many colleges and universities across the country have adopted similar standards. However, students may choose not to seek health care after an assault at the Student Health Center, preferring to obtain care in community clinics or health departments. Students must be able to be safe on and off campus, and must be able to trust they will be heard by campus authorities and the health care community, and be treated with respect. Public health nurses need to be prepared