This week's mission: 'visibility and awareness'

Campus Acquaintance Rape Educators will be on the UA Mall this week handing out literature and talking to victims about coping with sexual assault and educating students about prevention methods.

"Most of the occurrences happen within the first two months of school. It's the first time for a lot of kids to be away from their parents," said Kristina Rivera, sociology senior and CARE director.

"CARE's goal is to make people aware as soon as possible."

Sexual assault statistics are shocking: One in four college women have been sexually assaulted, and 84 percent of these victims knew the perpetrator. Seventy-five percent of male students and 55 percent of female students involved in date rape had been drinking or using drugs. Most date rape cases go unreported, said Dan Reilly, a health educator with Campus Health Service and CARE coordinator.

He said a few of the reasons why women do not report the incident are fear of being blamed, self-blame and the myth "bad things don't happen to good people."

Many student on campus realize the importance of awareness.

Marketing freshman Heather Dessler said she is cautious at parties.

"I see how freshmen girls are all over the frat guys," she said "These frat parties are way out of control."

University Police Chief Harry Hueston also said he is concerned about women's safety at Friday's Bid-night fraternity parties.

"We will have a large number of freshmen women given alcohol and targeted by older men as possible victims of sexual assault," Hueston said.

CARE focuses on reduction of sexual assault, while the UA's Oasis Center for Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence helps students cope with sexual assault.

"The mission of this week is visibility and awareness," Reilly said.

Awareness week includes an open forum Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. in Old Main and a clothesline project on the Mall where victims of sexual assault and their friends can design T-shirts, Rivera said.

The open forum is an opportunity for students to talk to the Quality of Student Life Committee, with representatives from Oasis Center, the health promotion and preventive services, Residence Life, Counseling and Psychological Services and the University of Arizona Police Department.

"We're interested in hearing about the quality of life on campus and the gaps in services this campus provides," Oasis coordinator and counselor Irene Anderson said.

Anderson said the open forum is a way students can learn about the resources available. Sexual assault is not just a women's issue, she said.

"Men have the potential for respect in their relationships with women. It's true that men are in the most powerful position to prevent harmful behavior in other men," Anderson said.

The forum allows victims of sexual assault to discuss issues in an informal, conversational atmosphere, said Veda Hunn, associate dean of students.

Undeclared freshman Maggie Jones said sexual assault is a major issue on campus.

"I always think about it for myself and my friends. I'm from Tucson and I hear about stuff that goes on," Jones said.

Architecture freshman Ryan Langner said "You just got to be responsible."

Wildcat assistant news editor John Brown contributed to this story.