Sex and alcohol: How does UW-Madison mix it up?

Sex and alcohol might sound like a good time to some, but the combination can lead to miscommunication, mixed signals and questions of consent that can result in charges of sexual assault.

“Sex and Alcohol: How Does the UW Mix It Up?,” a forum for UW–Madison students, will be held Tuesday, Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m., at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.

The relationship between alcohol and sex is a complex one, as is the relationship between alcohol and sexual assault, says Lori Henn, violence prevention coordinator at University Health Services.

“Students may have limited experience with either one before they come to college,” says Henn, an organizer of the discussion, “but suddenly they’re supposed to be able to handle these two powerful ingredients of adulthood on their own. We hope this forum will give students a chance to talk honestly about their experiences and open the discussion of how our campus community regards both victims and perpetrators of sexual assault when alcohol is involved.”

The forum will feature brief panel presentations before to student discussion. Panelists include Bob McGrath, director of UHS’ Counseling and Consultation Service; Laurel Crown, a dissertation fellow in the Social Science Research Council: Sexuality Research Fellowship Program; Gina Vosseller, a student community organizer in the UHS Robert Wood Johnson Project to combat high-risk drinking at UW–Madison; and a representative from Associated Students of Madison.