LDS Church Releases Statement on Byu Sexual Assault Issue

By Katie England
Daily Herald
May 19, 2016

http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/faith/lds-church-releases-statement-on-byu-sexual-assault-issue/article_be976e55-be78-5e80-9456-fd6f4bd8a64c.html


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement Thursday evening in support of Brigham Young University's announcement that it has formed an advisory council and seeks public feedback on sexual assault response and Title IX compliance at the university.

BYU has been under widespread media scrutiny after several women approached multiple outlets, reporting that the religious school's Honor Code Office would hold women accountable for Honor Code violations after they reported sexual assaults to the Title IX Office.

The church's statement said that the victims' stories are "painful to read."

"But we do not believe (these stories) represent the ideals BYU or Church leaders follow when responding to victims," the statement said.

The statement stressed that there is no place for any kind of abuse or assault on the campus or in the church.

"We support its reporting, investigation and prosecution to the full extent of the law," the statement said. "Victims of assault or recipients of unwelcome sexual attention should be treated with sensitivity, compassion and respect and should feel that those to whom they disclose the assault are committed to helping them deal with the trauma they have experienced."

The statement went on to say that BYU's announcement of forming an advisory council to look into the issue, and seek public input on the issue, is a significant step.

"We believe their work should be given time and space to proceed so that it can result in a process that more completely reflects care for victims of sexual assault and that provides a safer campus," the statement said.

The full post reads:

Sexual assault is a serious concern at campuses across the nation. At Brigham Young University, students enter the campus knowing that they are expected to live according to high standards of personal morality and conduct, and certainly any form of abuse or assault falls well below any such standard. BYU’s remarkable campus community reflects character and students' commitment to live exemplary lives.

Sadly, there are exceptions. Media have published deeply personal stories of victims of sexual assault who feel they have been treated poorly when reporting their assault. They are painful to read, but we do not believe they represent the ideals BYU or Church leaders follow when responding to victims.

Let us be perfectly clear: There is no tolerance for sexual assault at BYU or in the Church. Assault of any kind is a serious criminal offense, and we support its reporting, investigation and prosecution to the full extent of the law. Victims of assault or recipients of unwelcome sexual attention should be treated with sensitivity, compassion and respect and should feel that those to whom they disclose the assault are committed to helping them deal with the trauma they have experienced. In instances where there may have been conflict between meeting Honor Code and Title IX priorities, BYU is taking significant steps, including forming an advisory council to explore these circumstances and make recommendations for change, as needed.

Today, the university issued a letter outlining that process and launched a website inviting input. We believe their work should be given time and space to proceed so that it can result in a process that more completely reflects care for victims of sexual assault and that provides a safer campus.