Background on campus efforts
Here is an overview of sexual assault prevention and intervention efforts at UW–Madison.
Campuswide Efforts
“I have the Power, We have the Courage to stop sexual assault” campaign
University Health Services along with Dane County, University Police, the Chancellor’s Office and the Dean of Students Office are collaborating on a campus-wide awareness campaign during the 2001-02 academic year. The student-generated campaign includes posters on the Madison Metro buses that raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault as well as direct the campus community to prevention efforts. Additionally, posters will be available at university and private residence halls, fraternities and sororities and various other locations across campus.
Sexual Assault Prevalence Survey
This fall, University Communications, Dean of Students Office, University Health Services and the Rape Crisis Center will work with Chamberlain Research Consultants to conduct a survey on the prevalence of sexual assault on campus.
The University Subcommittee on Sexual Assault and Dating/Domestic Violence (of Dane County Coordinated Community Response to Sexual Assault)
This group, first convened in October 1999, serves as a central point of collaboration for all campus departments, student organizations and individuals who are interested in promoting sexual assault and dating/domestic violence prevention and intervention activities. Contact: Assistant Dean of Students Yolanda Garza, subcommittee chair, (608) 263-5706.
Sexual Assault Awareness Week and Take Back the Night March and Rally
These two public awareness events, tentatively scheduled for mid-April 2002, draw attention to the issue of sexual assault and are designed to inspire creative, innovative responses. Each year, a wide variety of departments, organizations, and individuals pool their efforts to increase awareness on campus and in the larger community. Contact: Relationship Violence Prevention Coordinator Lori Henn, University Health Services, (608) 265-5966.
Departmental Efforts
UHS: SCOPE (Student Community Organizers Promoting Equality)
University Health Services organizes this all-volunteer student group. SCOPE volunteers attend 30 hours of training and facilitate discussions with their peers across campus on sexual assault, dating violence and opportunities for creating cultural and systemic change. Contact: Relationship Violence Prevention Coordinator Lori Henn, University Health Services, (608) 265-5966.
Dean of Students Office
This office provides sexual assault investigation, support and advocacy for survivors of assault. The Dean’s Office informs campus departments of their reporting responsibilities and provides technical assistance on how to make a report to the Dean of Students Office. Contact: Assistant Dean of Students Yolanda Garza, (608) 263-5706.
Athletic Department: Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP)
To implement Mentors in Violence Prevention, the Athletic Department has participated in three visits from this Boston-based, anti-violence education program. All student athletes participated in a 90-minute anti-violence (sexual assault and dating violence) education program. In July 2001, the Athletic Department sponsored a Train-The-Trainers program, during which several students and staff learned how to conduct anti-violence sessions. In August 2001, MVP provided anti-violence training to UW football student-athletes. This demonstrates the department’s ongoing commitment to infuse anti-violence work into the UW campus via its student athletes. Contact: Associate Athletic Director Michael Moss, (608) 262-0099.
University Police
The UW–Madison Police Department provide sexual assault prevention programs through SOAR student orientations, presentations in residence halls and various other venues across campus. In 1999, university police participated in the Sexual Assault Summit, along with Dane County, Dean of Students Office, University Health Services, Madison city police, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (Meriter Hospital), and the District Attorney’s Office. University police provides sexual assault information on their Internet site as well as in “The Badger Beat” newsletter. Contact: Sgt. Edie Brogan, (608) 262-3058.
Student Organization Office: Greek System
In spring 2001, all new pledges (approximately 200 students) participated in anti-violence education (provided by SCOPE). In fall 2001, all new pledges (approximately 800 students) will participate in violence prevention training. Additionally, some Greek members have begun to discuss how they can ensure safety in the Greek houses, with an aim to reduce incidents of sexual assault and dating violence related to Greek activities. Contact: Greek liaison Ed Mirecki in the Dean of Students Office, (608) 263-4597.
Student-Based Efforts
Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment (PAVE)
This student organization conducted a sexual assault prevention poster campaign in private businesses near campus (State Street). PAVE holds monthly meetings to discuss various aspects of sexual assault such as acquaintance rape, barriers to reporting and alcohol and sexual assault. PAVE held a student forum this fall. Contact: Angela Bartucci, (608) 698-7283.
Men Opposing Sexual Assault (MOSA)
Started in spring 2001, this sister organization to PAVE invites young men (and women) to discuss issues of men and masculinity and to design initiatives that will engage young men in sexual assault prevention. Contact: Angela Bartucci, (608) 698-7283.
Campus-Community Partnerships
Rape Crisis Center (RCC)
This community group provides intervention services via a 24-hour crisis line and a campus office (located at 905 University Ave., first floor). RCC provides a campus counselor. In addition, legal and medical advocacy is available to students as well as support groups. RCC also provides education and outreach on campus. RCC’s services are free of charge. Contact: Executive Director Becky Westerfelt, (608) 251-5126.