Select two questions below and answer them in detail with references from the film.
1. Sexual violence survivors experienced doubt, disbelief or reprimand from university administrators when they reported their assaults. Were you surprised by the administrators’ responses? How did you expect administrators to react to reports of rape?
Many survivors were hesitant to tell their parents about their experiences or have never told them. What conversations should parents have with their children about sexual violence? If you are/were a parent, how might you initiate and maintain a discussion?
2. What stereotypes exist about sexual violence perpetrators? What about the victims of sexual violence? How do misconceptions limit the ability to provide survivor support or effective prevention education?
What examples of victim blaming did you see in The Hunting Ground? Have you witnessed these examples or other forms of victim blaming on your campus or in the media? How does victim blaming perpetuate the problem of sexual violence?
The film exposes a link between the profitability of universities and their willingness to protect student athletes from investigation or disciplinary action when they are accused of sexual violence. Do you think universities can prevent the conflict of interest that pits justice against financial gain in industries like sports and fraternities? If so, how?
3. Some faculty experienced reprisal from administration when they spoke out against university inaction on sexual violence. How might faculty who speak out for student survivors support each other in their work? What relationships or activities may protect faculty and advisors from retaliation?
Student activists used federal law to hold their universities accountable for investigating and adjudicating instances of sexual violence on campus. Beyond legal action, how else do students in the film hold their universities to account? Which approaches felt most powerful or inspiring to you?
4. What were the ways in which survivors in the film channeled their experiences into healing? How do you think universities can support students dealing with trauma in the aftermath of an assault?
