Project Field Equity (Fe) A three-pronged approach to preventing SVSH and maximizing inclusivity in biological fieldwork


SOCIETY FOR INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
2021 VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING (VAM)
January 3 – Febuary 28, 2021

Meeting Abstract


P14-7  Sat Jan 2  Project Field Equity (Fe): A three-pronged approach to preventing SVSH and maximizing inclusivity in biological fieldwork Lyons, AM*; Tribble, CM; Beal, D; Wefferling, K; Wrensford, K; Lee, J; Pak, N; Williams, CW; University of California, Berkeley lyonsa@berkeley.edu https://projectfe.weebly.com/

Project Field Equity (Fe) is a student organization dedicated to preventing and addressing sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) during biological fieldwork. Fieldwork increases the risk of SVSH due to the frequent isolation of researchers and unique interpersonal dynamics. Often, standard institutional policies are inadequate for these special circumstances. Project Fe developed a framework for SVSH prevention to be implemented at the lab, department, and/or institutional level. Our framework consists of three pillars: education, policies and safety recommendations, and addressing social norms. (1) Educate researchers: working with experts in SVSH prevention and field safety, we provided trainings for faculty, staff, and students specifically addressing SVSH in the field. Future work will expand reach and institutionalize trainings within existing offices and programs. (2) Implement prevention policies: in close collaboration with SVSH prevention and reporting groups, student health resources, and field safety experts, we developed a flexible field code of conduct to promote safer field experiences and clarify expectations in the field. (3) Shift social norms: using the social norms approach for behavioral change, we developed a flyer-based media campaign to shift attitudes regarding acceptable behavior in the field. Here, we discuss this three-pronged framework and provide working examples from our own institution, at the University of California, Berkeley, including examples of flyers from our media campaign. We hope that these resources will serve as actionable tools for SVSH prevention, policy, and education that can be implemented across a number of institutions, stages of scientific training, and field sites.

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