Research completed by the CDC shows that 1 in 5 women has been raped in her lifetime. 40% of these women are between the ages of 18 and 24. The statistics for sexual assault are even bleaker, with 1 out of 2 women and 1 out of 5 men having experienced some kind of sexual assault in their lives. Fortunately, you can make a difference in the lives of millions of women by participating in raising awareness about sexual assault. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year an innovative program is taking a stand to prevent rape. Men Can Stop Rape, a national
program for men and boys that uses “prevention programming, educational training and awareness campaigns,” to stop the onslaught of sexual assault against women has initiated a new campaign, geared toward college men. This month, MCSR is coming to college campuses using their newest movement Where Do You Stand, providing materials and training for students who want to help put a stop to sexual violence.
Where Do You Stand will be touring college campuses (you can check out the remaining schedule below) as well as seeking student involvement in projects to raise awareness about sexual assault. You can get involved by checking out the information on the Where Do You Stand website and starting a WDYS project at your school. Previously completed projects include a “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event, during which male students walked a mile in high heels.
MCSR Executive Director Neil Irvin sums up the importance of National Sexual Assault Awareness month nicely, stating that, “National Sexual Assault Awareness Month is the one time during the year, barring incidents of tragedy, when this topic is put into the national spotlight but the important thing to remember is that preventing sexual assault is something we all need to focus on year round. We can’t wait for next April, or for the next act of violence to occur. Prevention starts here; and it starts with individuals and communities working together to educate the public before it’s too late.”
Where Do You Stand Remaining April Schedule
· April 12th: Florida A&M (Tallahassee, Fla.)
· April 26th – 27th: Morehouse College (Atlanta, Ga.)