Dr. Jennifer Hammat, candidate for the new position of assistant vice president for campus sexual assault and Title IX coordinator, revealed in her presentation on Tuesday afternoon explained that she had more than professional experience in this field, by voicing that she is also a survivor of sexual assault.
He was the president of a fraternity, and her mother worked as the director of housing. Afraid of the possible ramifications for her mother’s job, she stayed silent about the incident for months. It was 20 years before she spoke his name.
Hammat’s presentation was titled, “Getting it Right: Overcoming Obstacles and Forging a Campus-wide Response to Sexual Assault.”
Hammat currently works as Associate Vice President for compliance services and Title IX officer. She has been at this position for nine years.
One student asked Hammat how she would handle the balance between protecting a survivor who doesn’t want to report and trying to ward off a potential serial offender. Hammat referred to her own experience.
Her first concern when it comes to a survivor reporting, she said, is that they are aware of their options to name or not name their attacker, to seek help or not.
“It’s not for me to decide if that person is ready to move forward,” Hammat said.
Hammat said throughout her presentation that she wants survivors to come in and feel like they have some control back.
Audience members filled out feedback forms on Hammat’s candidacy and she met several of the faculty and staff before leaving.