Fraternities and Sororities Join Forces to Prevent Sexual Assault
INDIANAPOLIS, April 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Led by Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and Sigma Nu fraternity, interfraternal organizations are taking a stand against sexual assault and relational aggression with the development of a new educational program for college students. Recognizing that everyone plays a role in preventing sexual assault and creating a safer social culture, 10 fraternities and sororities have already signed on to roll out the program nationwide.
Inter/national Sororities:
Alpha Xi Delta
Delta Zeta
Pi Beta Phi
Zeta Tau Alpha
Inter/national Fraternities:
Alpha Tau OmegaDelta Sigma Phi
Kappa Alpha Order
Phi Gamma Delta
Phi Kappa Tau
Sigma Nu
To develop a comprehensive approach to prevention, the groups worked with Aaron Boe, the founder of Prevention Culture, which specializes in non-stranger sexual assault and relational violence prevention, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. The program aims to equip collegians with the tools necessary to create safe and supportive chapter cultures. It covers topics including healthy standards for personal relationships, misconceptions about non-stranger sexual assault, intervention techniques for complicated social situations and ways to support a victim/survivor. Each group has worked with Boe to customize the program and implementation options to meet its organizational needs.
"One organization alone cannot eradicate the problem of sexual assault on college campuses," said ZTA National President Carolyn Carpenter. "We all need to be advocates for healthy relationships and a safe culture, and that's why we are especially proud to partner with other fraternal organizations to take this vital step toward preventing sexual assault. We are resolved as an organization to do everything possible to empower our students through strong education and support."
The program—currently being piloted with several sorority and fraternity chapters this spring—will officially launch this summer and be implemented on campuses across the country this fall. As part of a comprehensive approach, each organization is planning its own implementation.
"As leaders on campus, our collegiate members have the power to influence campus culture," said Brad Beacham, Executive Director of Sigma Nu. "These ongoing programs prepare them to spark a much needed shift in attitudes among all college students on issues like sexual assault and relational violence."
Through this collaborative effort, the program will provide prevention education to almost 1,400 fraternity and sorority chapters and 120,000 undergraduate members among the 10 organizations starting this fall.
Contact: Heather Kirk, Zeta Tau Alpha Director of Education & Communications
[email protected]
SOURCE Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity
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