News Story by Nailah Franklin, 04/16/98

While activism against sexual violence is often associated with women, some men are also taking responsibility for the issue.

In order to raise awareness about sexual assault, a male panel held a discussion this Wednesday in the Illini Union's Courtyard Cafe.

The purpose of the panel discussion was to raise awareness about sexual violence and encourage men to get involved in the fight against it.

Members of the Men's Activity Committee said why they think it is important for men to get involved.

"Many people think that sexual assault is a woman issue, but it is a people issue," said Ross Wantland, junior in LAS. "Both men and women have had their lives touched by sexual violence and men need to try to stop it as much as women do."

Wantland said one in four females is sexually assaulted by the age of 18, and one in six assaulters will be male.

"I wanted to end a lot of the sexism that facilitates sexual violence," said Steven Baker, senior in engineering, stating his intentions. "I thought if more men were involved in the movement, it would be something positive to counteract with the sexism and violence that occurs."

University graduate Arek Dreyer said solutions to sexual assault include education of both men and woman about sexual violence.

Dreyer added that men are taught to be the sexual aggressors in a relationship and that sex is something to win. He said that he thinks men need to challenge society's notion of masculinity.

"It's not like society says go out and rape anyone," said Dreyer. "But through the instructions that were given about life, it does."

Members of MAC encouraged men to get involved in A Woman's Fund, a program that offers several support groups for victims of sexual assault and their relatives.

Some of the groups offering support include A Woman's Place, a shelter for children and women, a 24-hour rape crisis service, and EVE (Eliminating Violence through Education).

"Again, it's (a man's) responsibility as much as (a woman's) to confront the issue of sexual assault," said Wantland. "We need to serve as a positive role model for the youth who have experienced sexual violence."

The panel was held in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Students are invited to attend any of the various programs concerning sexual assault and are encouraged to wear ribbons in support of victims of sexual assault and to announce that they are survivors of sexual assault.