High school and college are life-changing events for young people. Freedom, educational opportunities and new relationships await. However, very few students are entering the educational arena with the training they need to protect themselves from sexual violence and sexual predators. Studies consistently show that female students are sexually assaulted at significant rates, and what is often less reported, male students are also victims of sexual assault, and men are at risk of being falsely accused of sexual assault. Sobering Consent: Sexual Assault, Rape and False Claims-4 Lessons Every Student, Parent and Educator Must Learn provides readers with a simple explanation of the law, and offers important strategies to prevent student sexual violence. Part One-Consent-tells four short stories that are inspired by real criminal cases. After reading this section, students will clearly understand what sexual consent means, how to be sure that sex is consensual, and how alcohol affects consent and sexual assault claims. Part Two-On-Campus Sexual Assault-explains the legal framework that schools must follow to educate their students about sexual assault, adjudicate claims and provide students with resources and support.
Inspired by real criminal cases, Part Two of the book tells the story of three "he said/she said" cases to explain the tension between victims' rights and due process rights. This section provides readers with critical information to successfully navigate this tumultuous issue. Part Three-Law Enforcement-explains rape myths and rape biases, and their effects on law enforcement. Understanding law enforcement is necessary for students, parents and most importantly educators. Part Four -Solutions-offers illuminating ways that students can mitigate their risk of sexual assault and false claims by creating mental models to protect themselves from danger. Mental models prepare students to make split-second decisions under stress. This section also offers solutions that institutions and institutional leaders can implement. The author earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Berkeley, a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law, and is licensed to practice law in multiple states.