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National Rape Prevention Group Lists 10 Things College Men can do to Stop Rape -- SATRC urges
men to play a role in changing campus environments that perpetuate sexual violence.For Immediate Release: August 17, 2005
Contact: Angeline Martyn, Director of Communications
Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center
401-421-4100 ext. 223,
amartyn@satrc.orgThe Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center supports and recommends yesterday's nationally released
list of ten steps that college men can take to prevent dating and sexual violence on their campuses. SATRC calls upon men to play a more active role in community safety by challenging attitudes and
behaviors that support rape and other forms of men's violence. Men Can Stop Rape (MCSR), a Washington, DC based nonprofit, issued the list as a public service in
response to the heightened risk for sexual assault that regularly occurs at the beginning of the school year. According to a Department of Justice Document, college students are most at risk for rape during
the first few weeks of their freshman and sophomore years. The vast majority of these sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim/survivor.
"Before violence can be prevented, attitudes and behaviors about masculinity, power and strength must change," says Peg Langhammer, executive director, Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center of RI. "We
urge men to review these ten steps, take these issues to heart and do their part in preventing an act that has grave consequences for both parties." We invite men who want to get even more involved in
prevention efforts to contact SATRC at 401-421-4100. For more information visit www.satrc.org. "We know that young men respond well if they're provided with opportunities to be allies rather than simply
labeled as part of the problem," says Patrick Lemmon, MCSR's executive director. MCSR puts forth, and SATRC supports, the following recommendations based on its successful approach to
engaging young men in rape prevention programs: 10 Things College Men can do to Stop Rape
Issued August 16, 2005 by Men Can Stop Rape
Supported by Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center of RI
- Define your own manhood.
Consider whether messages about manhood, like "don't take no for an answer" and "be tough" play a role in creating unhealthy and unsafe relationships. Choose what kind
of man you want to be.
- Talk it over.
Better communication in sexual situations; listening to the other person, stating desires clearly, and asking when a situation is unclear;will make relationships safer and healthier. Create a
space to speak honestly about sex.
- Understand the ability to consent.
Drugs and alcohol can affect people's ability to decide whether they want to be sexual with someone. If a person is "really out of it" and can't give consent, wait
until you both are ready to enthusiastically say yes.
- Get a woman's perspective.
Ask women how the fear of rape affects their daily lives and whether they know someone who has been raped. Listen and learn from them about the impact of rape and how to stop it.
- Ask guys.
Ask men how it would feel to be seen as a potential rapist and how they would feel if a woman or girl in their life was sexually assaulted. Learn about the ways sexual violence touches the lives of men.
- Be aware of pop culture's messages.
We are surrounded daily by TV shows, music, magazines, video games, and movies that communicate messages about masculinity and relationships. Don't let
images in popular culture dictate your behavior.
- Choose words carefully.
When you use words to put women down, you support the belief that they are less than fully human. It is easier to ignore women's well-being when they are seen as
inferior. Choose language that respects women.
- Speak out.
You probably will never see a rape in progress, but you will hear attitudes and see behaviors that degrade women and promote a culture of violence. When your friend tells a joke
about rape, say you don't find it funny. Use your voice.
- Get involved.
Join a student group working to prevent violence against women. Or if there isn't a student group, start your own. Men's anti-rape groups are becoming more and more common on
college campuses. Make a difference.
- Show your strength.
Don't ever have sex with anyone against their will. Make a pledge to be a man whose strength is used for respect, not for hurting.
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