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Low turnoutIFC addresses violence against womenAlthough it is often kept quiet on college campuses, the issue of violence against women is present in all areas of the country. Violent acts specifically targeted against women have risen by 50 percent in recent years. Men and women alike must find ways to deal with this. In an attempt to address the issue at the University, the Interfraternity Council hosted its first seminar on violence against women last week. While its objective is commendable, the small turnout of only 40 fraternity members mimics a larger problem of addressing pervasive issues of rape and sexual assault among the student population.One student who attended the event commented, "It seems like a lot (of students) were forced to be here." Most of the audience consisted of pledges and new fraternity members -- few veteran members were present. While it is refreshing that newer members learned about these important issues, older members are not exempt from the responsibility to learn. Sixty-five rapes were reported to the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center last year; 15 of these rapes allegedly occurred in fraternities. Evidently, the issue pervades all social and cultural boundaries within the University -- including IFC. Although low attendance was disheartening for the event's speakers, who came from SAPAC and the Domestic Aggression Program, it is important to recognize the event as the first step in a greater struggle to raise the visibility of issues of sexual assault among the Greek community. IFC should expand the program. Although the seminar began to address important issues, it is not enough. The message must be as pervasive as misconceptions and stereotypes in order to alter sexual behaviors and provide a greater understanding of the scope and magnitude of this issue. Violations against women occur everyday, often in subtler forms of sexual assault. It is difficult to determine accurate statistics -- many women never report attacks. The common misconception surrounding sexual assault is that the perpetrator is often a stranger. Yet the Department of Justice reported that 78 percent of all violent crimes against women were committed by acquaintances, intimates, spouses, significant others and relatives. Female students are reluctant to register official complaints of rape with campus police out of embarrassment or fear of reprisal. While the media chases the trail of serial rapists and unknown attackers, the likelihood that a stranger will attack a woman pales in comparison to the assailant being a former boyfriend, relative or classmate. Fraternity members are not the only ones who should be targeted. In general, campus groups have to do a better job educating students about crimes against women. The legal system now recognizes a new definition of sexual assault, to include penetration and sexual contact, such as unwanted touching. Nationwide legal reforms place the focus of sexual assault where it belongs: on the criminal, rather than the behavior -- past or present -- of the survivor. But the public's comprehension of sexual assault is still in its infancy. Each student's understanding of sexual assault must grow. IFC should hold a workshop next year and make it mandatory for all members.
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