Sexual assault education reaches out
Have you ever wondered what the performances given by One in Four, an all-male sexual assault peer education group are all about? Ever questioned why the group's performances are geared strictly toward all-male groups or what goes on during these powerful presentations?
Well now is your chance to find out. Today at 3 p.m. in Minor Hall 125 the peer education group will give a public performance of its program "How to Help a Sexual Assault Survivor: What Men Can Do," open to the entire University community.
Matt Varthalamis, a fourth-year College student and the training facilitator of the group, said this particular performance is designed to give members of the University community a glimpse into how this group educates men on the issue of sexual assault.
"The performance today is identical to the one that we give to all-male groups," Varthalamis said.
The presentation, which normally is geared toward fraternities, male dorms, athletic teams or any other all-male organizations around Grounds, claims that having the guys just around the guys is part of the dynamic of the program.
"Men are less likely to feel defensive toward the issue of rape and sexual assault if they are surrounded by other men," Varthalamis said. "When a guy is sitting right next to a girl, it sometimes makes them feel that they are being accused."
One in Four believes the performance is most effective for organizations in a private setting and therefore advises them to send individual representatives to preview the program rather than attempting to bring the entire group.
This particular performance, however, is important for exposure and highly valuable to anyone.
Varthalamis said women who attend the performance will begin to understand why the program is so effective in specifically educating men.
"The program is a little shocking, but most of the women who have previously approached me after the show have been really impressed," he said.
Varthalamis asserts that the program is something every male should see and that his work through the program is the most important thing he does on Grounds.
"As our fliers say," he said, "Come see how we make a difference"
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