Rape Awareness and Gender Education

Rape Awareness and Gender Education (RAGE) is a student group at the University of Denver. It aims to educate the DU community to on issues of rape and sexual assault and also gender and gender identity. The group has many events throughout the year including Pioneer Carnival, tabling on Driscoll Bridge during alchol awareness week and organizing Take Back the Night which occurs in Sexual Assault Awareness Week every April.

If you are interested in joining this activist group then please contact its President Jessica Campbell or Jenna Lindsay-Brisbin for more information.

Here are some simple things you can do to help end sexual violence and gender discrimination on DU's campus:

** Don't stay silent. If you hear a friend or co-worker talking about a sexual experience or about their need to get "laid", speak up. Silence can be mistaken as approval.

** No means no. As obvious as this may seem, it is often ignored. "No" can be communicated in a number of ways, whether verbally or through body language. A person who is intoxicated cannot give consent. If there is any doubt, STOP.

** Support the work of campus and local organizations that work to end gender violence. Attend Take Back the Night on your campus and any Sexual Assault Awareness Week programs.

** If you suspect someone close to you has been abused or has been sexually assaulted, be supportive and gently let he or she know you are available to listen.

** Recognize and speak out against homophobia. Discrimination and violence against the GLBT community is wrong. This abuse can have direct links to sexism. A man may not choose to speak out against sexual violence because his masculinity or sexual orientation may be questioned.

** Don't give money to organizations that perpetuate sexual and gender stereotypes such as magazines, websites, movies, or music. Protest sexism in the media.

** Volunteer to work with prevention agencies and on your college campus. Become an ally and an advocate. Lead by example.

*taken from Jackson Katz, www.jacksonkatz.com