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May 7, 2008 6:51 pm US/Central
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Using Comedy To Address A Serious Threat On Campus
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
While two recent stranger rapes on or near the University of Minnesota has heightened concern on campus, statistics show date rape actually accounts for a vast majority of college sexual assaults.
Two weeks ago the first alleged stranger rape happened inside Pioneer Hall on the U of M campus. The other occurred just last Sunday near campus at an apartment on 15th Avenue S.E.
However, those who work with victims say acquaintance or date rape accounts for 90 percent of college sexual assaults.
To make students aware of the danger, the U of M presents programs to address the warning signs and prevent unwanted sexual advances. All freshman student athletes are required to attend.
A comedy improv presentation called "Sex Signals" is a light-hearted look at the very serious problem of date rape.
"It has the ability to really reach students and really reach its audience on a real comfortable way to start to talk about some real difficult things," said Jill Lipiski Cain, University of Minnesota Aurora Center Program Coordinator.
"The show does progress into talking about the issues about consent and understanding the differences between healthy sex and unhealthy, illegal sex," said Lipiski Cain.
At this particular performance 150 student athletes are in the audience because it's a requirement to compete.
"To help them make healthy choices, to recognize what they need to do in order to make sure that they by all means are accountable for themselves and the actions of their teammates," said Student Athlete Welfare Director Peyton Owens.
Former Gopher football player Dominic Jones was recently convicted of sexual assault after performing a sex act on a woman who was passed out drunk. So the subject of acquaintance rape hits home with these athletes.
"You're a University athlete so every move you make is going to be watched and monitored so gotta take care of yourself accordingly because you're not only representing yourself and you family, you're representing the University," said Gopher Football Running Back Duane Bennett.
The life skills training doesn't stop with sexual issues. It gives yearly guidance in all aspects of campus life to help athletes avoid mistakes which could jeopardize their future.
According to the University of Minnesota Aurora Center, 1 of 5 college women experience rape or attempted rape.
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