Utah State Stop on National Rape Prevention Tour

Utah State University will host a stop on an innovative nationwide rape prevention tour that targets a new audience – men. “The Men’s Program,” led by four recent College of William and Mary graduates, all male, is a 45-minute, multi-media presentation and discussion focused on ways men can help rape survivors and prevent sexual assault.

 

“(Our purpose) is not to blame you for rape or lecture you about it,” presenter Jon Cleborne told a recent gathering of men at the University of Virginia. “(Our presentation) is to prepare you in case a woman comes to you for help and support.”

 

Utah State’s presentation is Monday, March 21, at 12:30 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center auditorium on campus. Admission is free. Open to the public, the presentation is targeted to college-age men as well as educators, youth counselors, coaches and others who work with young men.

 

Due to the serious and candid nature of the subject matter presented, viewer discretion is advised. The presentation includes a police training video, which contains language and images some viewers may find offensive.

 

Rachel Hickman, coordinator of Utah State’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office calls The Men’s Program a unique and much-needed approach to rape prevention.

 

“Historically speaking, rape and sexual assault prevention efforts have focused on teaching women how to lower their risk,” said Hickman. “This is valuable, but if our efforts are restricted solely to women, we send a subtle message that rape can be controlled by the victim. Ultimately, responsibility for rape and sexual assault falls on the perpetrator, not the victim.”

 

Hickman said The Men’s Program educates men about rape, gives them tools to assist a rape survivor and encourages them to take a stand when confronted with situations that are potentially harmful to women.

 

“In 2001, Utah was 14^th in the nation for forcible rape. That tells us something,” she said. “Unfortunately, rape is all too common in Utah, and women on college campuses are at a particular risk.”

 

Hickman, who joined Utah State in 2004 and coordinated the creation of the university’s student-led Campus Alliance Against Violence, said she hopes the tour’s visit will provide the impetus for the creation of a “One in Four” chapter at Utah State. The One in Four program, an all-male peer education group initiated at the College of William and Mary, takes its name from a national study that estimates the number of college women who have experienced rape or attempted rape since the age of 14. The program is aimed at teaching men to empathize with sexual assault survivors. Approximately 17 One in Four chapters have been established on college campuses throughout the United States.

 

“Peer education has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reach potential rape perpetrators,” said Hickman. “Establishing male peer education groups is a way to reshape our culture and convince young men that rape is not ‘just a woman’s problem.’”

 

Parking for the presentation is available in the university parking terrace at 850 E. 700 North, which is adjacent to the TSC. The TSC is a short walk from the Veterinary Science building bus stop on 700 North on Logan Transit District Route 4.

 

The Men’s Program started its national RV tour in September 2004 and will visit more than 40 college campuses across the nation during its nine-month journey.

 

Utah State’s presentation of The Men’s Program is sponsored by the university’s Office of Student Services, with support from Utah State’s Office of Athletics and the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.