Middlebury supports an atmosphere of respect and does not tolerate any form of harassment, sexual or otherwise within the program. This includes, but is not limited to, unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, or any intimidating or hostile acts directed toward any individual, regardless of their association with the program. If you experience any type of sexual harassment, regardless of whether the offender has any relationship with our program, please notify your on-site staff immediately so they can develop an appropriate course of action on your behalf.<\/p>\n
Studying abroad may increase your risk of unwanted sexual contact.\u00a0 The Department of State has this to say: https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/international-travel\/before-you-go\/travelers-with-special-considerations\/women-travelers.html<\/a> Although the site addresses itself to women travelers, it contains information for everyone.<\/p>\n Our on-site staff is your primary resource for advice to keep yourself safe<\/a> and can also direct you to local support resources.\u00a0 We also have information by site (scroll for your site) about local laws as well as local support resources<\/a> on our website.\u00a0 Please note that the Italian university system is not set up to provide student life support the way it is in the U.S. If you experience any form of harassment or assault and would like assistance or support in accessing local resources, please notify the Middlebury School in Italy program staff.\u00a0 You may also choose to contact the local support organization listed below.<\/p>\n To help protect yourself from sexual assault and harassment:<\/p>\n When in a foreign country there are very subtle things that distinguish a foreigner from a local and often these traits are what can call unwanted attention to young women in particular. Culturally, what constitutes harassment may be different, but whether one considers it harassment or unwanted attention, the advice that local experts give is the same. If you experience persistent pestering, although it isn’t accompanied by violent intent, it can be annoying and frustrating nevertheless. Silent indifference is often the most effective policy, as is looking as confident as possible.\u00a0 If you feel threatened it’s always a good idea to look as though you know where you are going, even if you don’t. Any attempt to hurl Italian insults in the direction of the transgressor is, at best, likely to cause ridicule – and at worst, could well inflame the situation further. The advice given by local professionals is to ignore any unwanted attention and continue on your way. Head towards an area that you are familiar with so that you are not isolated.\u00a0 If you are being followed, head to a public space and not directly to your home.<\/p>\n In cases such as these, especially if an episode escalates or turns violent, or if you feel threatened in any way, it is imperative that you report the incident. The staff at the Sede is available to help in any way and there are also local resources one can turn to. The following association provides emotional, psychological, and legal support:<\/p>\n Florence\n
<\/strong>Associazione Artemisia
www.artemisiacentroantiviolenza.it<\/a>
Via del Mezzetta 1
055602311<\/p>\n