UW, county launch sexual assault prevention campaign

The university, in partnership with Dane County, is launching a new, student-generated campaign designed to help prevent sexual assault.

Leaders of the initiative held a news conference Tuesday, Oct. 9, to kick off the campaign, which carries the theme “I have the Courage, We have the Power to stop sexual assault.”

The campaign was developed by students in a class on public relations campaigns.

The first phase features bright yellow ads posted inside buses and around the campus. The next step will direct students to organizing opportunities on campus and in the community. Next spring, men on campus will be encouraged to become involved in prevention efforts.

Dane County Executive Kathleen M. Falk says, “Sexual assault is a violent crime. It is made worse by the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. I’m grateful for the good work of the students, University Health Services and other campus offices in carrying out this campaign to make women and children in our community safer.”

“Success will require partnerships with the broader community and between diverse departments of the university,” says Kathleen Poi, director of University Health Services. “It will require the involvement of students-especially men, who often don’t consider their role in preventionefforts. The ‘Courage’ campaign offers hope, because it nurtures and empowers just these sorts of connections.”

Panelists included Poi and Falk; Dane County Sup. Scott McDonell, 4th District; UW–Madison Assistant Dean of Students Jean Chagnon; Sgt. Edie Brogan, UW–Madison Police Department; and Austin King, student member of Men Opposing Sexual Assault (MOSA). Susan Crowley, University Health Services director for prevention services, will moderate the session.

Sponsors of the campaign include Dane County, UW–Madison Police, the Chancellor’s Office, University Health Services and the Dean of Students Office.

Here is the “Courage” campaign timeline.

October 2001 – Begins with a transit campaign that highlights the issue of sexual assault and introduces the theme: “I have the Courage, We have the Power to stop sexual assault.” Transit posters circulate throughout the fall semester.

November 2001 – Campus posters are introduced with the theme and suggestions on campus and community organizations in which students might participate.

Spring 2002 – “Men of UW” poster is introduced. Positive theme continues with three to four men promoting male involvement in violence prevention.

Late spring 2002 – Culminating event, to be announced later.

Attached you will find statistics on sexual assault, descriptions of efforts that are under way at UW–Madison and statements from campaign participants.