Dr. David Lisak provides the keynote address. False stereotypes and misconceptions about who rapists are and how rapists behave are pervasive, and they undermine a community's ability to respond effectively to sexual violence. The vast majority of rapes - including those committed on college campuses - are committed by serial offenders whose crimes are characterized by extensive planning and premeditation, the frequent use of alcohol and other drugs to render their victims vulnerable, and the use of intimidation rather than overt force. Only by confronting the reality of this sexual violence can communities and institutions effectively respond to sexual assault cases, and promote prevention strategies that will ultimately reduce their prevalence.

Dr. Lisak is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston where he conducts and supervises research on the causes and consequences of interpersonal violence.

Also sponsored by Abuse Hurts - University Human Resources, UMHS Social Work Department. FREE and open to the public.