Planning Ahead for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The numbers are staggering. “Studies estimate that one in five women is sexually assaulted while in college,” reads a September 2014 White House press release promoting the national It’s On Us initiative to end sexual assault on college and university campuses. “Most often, the act occurs in her freshman or sophomore year, usually by someone she knows. And only 13 percent of rape survivors report their assault.”
Since 2014, when Tau Kappa Epsilon officially partnered with It's On Us, the Offices of the Grand Chapter has provided extensive training to collegiate members and candidates on more than 250 campuses across North America.
Chief Executive Officer Donald E. Aldrich said of the Fraternity’s partnership announcement in 2014 with It’s On Us, “This endeavor aligns seamlessly with the expectation of TKE members to be gentlemen at all times. We must create an environment where all guests feel comfortable at all times. We must empower our men to eliminate bystander behavior in situations where sexual assault is possible to occur.”
As an international organization with members of all ages, we understand this issue impacts not only one group of individuals.
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, “one out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime” and “about three percent of American men — or one in 33 — have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.”
Sexual violence happens in every community and affects people of all genders, ages and sexual orientations.
The Offices of the Grand Chapter believes we all have a role to play in preventing sexual assault. As a result, we are proud to partner with It’s On Us and promote the efforts of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) through the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a national campaign that takes place throughout April to raise awareness and educate communities about sexual violence. Because sexual violence is a major public health, human rights and social justice issue, it is critical members of all communities are educated and involved.
Ways you can get involved:
In addition to sharing information presented by It’s On Us and SAAM, the Offices of the Grand Chapter will promote the sexual assault awareness efforts of chapters and colonies throughout April on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The prevention of sexual assault is possible. Together, we can change the conditions that contribute to sexual violence.
It’s on us. All of us.