Verizon Wireless Launches 'Know It Forward' in Georgia to Raise Awareness of Sexual Assault Among Young Adults

ATLANTA, April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless announces today the launch of "Know It Forward," a social media campaign aimed at increasing awareness of sexual assault, particularly among college students and young adults, for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Throughout the month of April, Verizon Wireless is joining colleges and universities across Georgia to educate students about the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses and encourage them to visit www.KnowItForward.com to find out how to reduce the risk and discover ways to share the information with their personal network through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social channels.

"Because of our strong relationships with universities across Georgia as well as nonprofits that focus on sexual assault and domestic violence, we feel this program provides a real opportunity to reach young people and help educate them on this important issue," said Jeff Mango, president – Georgia/Alabama Region for Verizon Wireless. "Our goal is to facilitate and promote peer-to-peer discussions and provide facts and information in a way that is impactful, memorable and easy to share with friends and family."

College-age women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than the general public, with an estimated one in four female college students becoming victims of sexual assault during their college career, according to studies from the U.S. Department of Justice. As such, sexual assault is an issue of significant concern on college campuses throughout the state, with the majority actively providing resources to educate students and the public about sexual assault prevention and awareness.

"At VSU, we strive to prepare our students not only academically, but also through awareness and prevention efforts. Along with Sexual Assault Awareness events held in April, we provide various opportunities throughout the year for students to learn how to keep themselves safe on campus and in the community," notes Holly Wright, health educator and RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) coordinator for Valdosta State University.

In support of collegiate SAAM efforts throughout the state, Verizon Wireless is working with various student organizations and awareness/prevention programs at Augusta State, Clark Atlanta, Kennesaw State, Mercer, South Georgia College, Spelman, University of Georgia and Valdosta State to bring the campaign to students through campus-specific efforts and by joining scheduled campus events.

Know it. Forward it. KnowItForward.com. For information on national sexual assault statistics, awareness and prevention tips, and regional assistance programs, visit www.KnowItForward.com; then share the website, videos and factsheets with friends and family.

A recognized corporate leader in the prevention and awareness of domestic and sexual violence issues through its HopeLine program (www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline), Verizon Wireless is launching a variety of regional sexual assault awareness initiatives across the country this April.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless