ATO Rallies With Greek Community Against Sexual Assault
Apr 15, 2015
For immediate release: April 15, 2015
Contact: Wynn Smiley
Chief Executive Officer, Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity
(317) 684-1865
FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES JOIN FORCES TO PREVENT SEXUAL ASSAULT
Alpha Tau Omega and other interfraternal organizations are taking a stand against sexual assault with the development of a new educational program for college students. Recognizing that everyone plays a role in preventing sexual assault violence and creating a safer social culture, 10 fraternities and sororities have already signed on to roll out this program nationwide, led by Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and Sigma Nu fraternity.
International Sororities:
Alpha Xi Delta
Delta Zeta
Pi Beta Phi
Zeta Tau Alpha
International Fraternities:
Alpha Tau Omega
Delta Sigma Phi
Kappa Alpha Order
Phi Gamma Delta
Phi Kappa Tau
Sigma Nu
To develop a comprehensive approach to prevention, the groups worked with Aaron Boe, the founder of Prevention Culture, which specializes in non-stranger sexual assault and relational violence prevention, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. The program aims to equip students with the tools necessary to create safe and supportive chapter cultures. It covers topics including healthy standards for personal relationships, misconceptions about non-stranger sexual assault, intervention techniques for complicated social situations and ways to support a victim/survivor. Each organization has worked with Boe to customize the program and implementation options to meet its organizational needs.
Alpha Tau Omega will be implementing this program through focused education at national and regional leadership conferences. Sexual misconduct will also be discussed at the chapter level with all undergraduate members during staff visits. Additionally, staff, along with regional and local volunteers, will receive training.
“Alpha Tau Omega is actively engaged in the prevention of and education on sexual assault and places this initiative on the forefront of its duties,” said Chief Executive Officer Wynn Smiley. We are happy to be in such good company with our partners as we continue to focus our efforts on improving our communities and contributing to its well being.”
This program will be integrated into Alpha Tau Omega’s ongoing prevention efforts which have emphasized education and reinforcement of ATO values and training on bystander intervention.