Beyond the gates...

A new approach

By Todd Paddock, IUB student

Acquaintance rape is a problem that needs to be addressed in the most forthright way. Fortunately, IU is doing just that. A new program -- "What Men Need to Know about Rape" -- may be a model for other institutions to follow.

For eight years, students at IU Bloomington have made presentations about acquaintance rape to other students. For three years, I've been one of those students. Sponsored by the Office for Women's Affairs (OWA) and trained with the help of staff from Middle Way House and the IU Police Department, we "peer presenters" have reached thousands of students in classes, residence halls, sororities and fraternities. We also would like to be available to faculty and staff for programming in this area of concern.

Calling ourselves Safety Awareness Facilitators and Educators (SAFE), we do believe the campus is a safer place because of our efforts.

Paddock
Paddock

But SAFE members and OWA staff realized at some point that we were reaching women more successfully than men. More women than men asked for presentations and attended. When men were present, too many left feeling defensive and angry. As a man, I understood. I, too, felt that way when first presented with the facts about date rape. I resented being blamed for what other men did, and I didn't want to accept that rape could happen to women I cared about. I wanted to believe, wrongly, that somehow it was the fault of the few women who were raped. I didn't see how I could be part of a solution to acquaintance rape.

Staff from OWA, notably law student Samantha Brauner and Assistant to the Dean Carol McCord, created a new program to address this problem. "What Men Need to Know About Rape" is presented only by men to only men. It provides a place where men feel safe sharing their feelings, experiences and beliefs concerning rape. The program is new, but I can tell you that the Theta Chi fraternity members who were the first to ask for and see it gave us an overwhelmingly positive response and recommend it to others.

For program information, call 812-855-3849. SAFE is also looking for men to be presenters.