S.A.F.E.R.
(Student Advocates For Education About Rape) Peer Education Program
S.A.F.E.R. Program Description
It is estimated that 1 in 4 women experience a rape or an attempted rape during their college years! In the majority of these rapes, the survivor knows the assailant. This means that the image of a stranger jumping out of the bushes and attacking a victim is not what is happening to most of our students affected by rape. Rather, acquaintance rape often occurs in the context of a trusting relationship in which the victim might unsuspectingly feel safe and comfortable with the person who will later assault her/him.
In order to prevent rape, men and women must jointly participate in learning and discussing the issues related to rape.
S.A.F.E.R. brings men and women together to talk about rape. The S.A.F.E.R.
program is a peer education program designed to educate, raise awareness,
and in turn, prevent acquaintance/date rape on campus. The program accomplishes
this mission by providing co-educational workshops throughout the campus
community, led by small groups of male and female presenters. Topics covered
include gender-role issues and communication differences between men and
women, the role of alcohol and other drugs, prevention techniques, and
resources.
Presentations are typically 1-1/2 hours, and can be scheduled for residence halls, student groups, and academic classes.
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Overview of a S.A.F.E.R. Workshop
The main goals of the S.A.F.E.R. workshop are to: 1) promote an understanding of what acquaintance rape is, 2) assist men and women in beginning to communicate about this topic, 3) discuss prevention tips, 4) explain common reactions for victims and how to help a friend, and 5) provide resources on/near campus to assist students with concerns about sexual assault.
The workshop is designed to promote communication and therefore does not entail male-bashing or blaming women. The workshop does contain sexually explicit material and frank conversation on the topic of sexual assault. Three trained peer educators, a facilitator and two role players, begin the workshop by taking participants on an imagery exercise. The exercise helps workshop participants visualize the events of a realistic but fictitious University of Maryland party. A sexual assault takes place at that party, and when workshops participants come to the end of the imagery exercise, they are introduced to two SAFER peer educators playing the roles of the victim/survivor and perpetrator of the assault. Participants are then able to hear each side of the story and directly interact with the characters from the scenario. The conversation often becomes heated as audiences grapple with the complexities and gray areas involved with acquaintance rape. SAFER peer educators do their best to maintain a respectful environment and safe forum for discussion.
At the end of the workshop, the SAFER peer educators come out of character and discuss statistics, legal issues, myths and facts, prevention strategies and what to do if someone you know has been assaulted. SAFER peer educators point out that BAD JUDGMENT IS NOT A RAPABLE OFFENSE! Tips for men and women are presented, however, it is acknowledged that changing behaviors is only one piece of the puzzle. Until the lines of communication between men and women are opened and attitudes change, acquaintance rape will continue to be a problem.
A discussion of common feelings that occur after a rape and information for helping a friend is provided. Audience members are given several resources for on and off-campus counseling, legal and medical assistance.
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How to Request a S.A.F.E.R. Workshop
If you are interested in scheduling a S.A.F.E.R. workshop, call Lauren Stewart at (301) 314-8227. At the time of your call, please have the following information ready: date, time, and location of the workshop and the approximate audience number. To ensure that we will be able to meet your needs, schedule your workshop at least two weeks in advance.
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How to become a S.A.F.E.R. Peer Educator
Interviews for the SAFER program begin in February, and admission is rolling until the program is full. Usually 12 students are accepted each year. Because the program is small and competition for spaces is high, it is suggested that you apply as early as possible to ensure the viability of your application.
On-Line Peer Education Program Descriptions
(description for all peer education program including SAFER)
On-Line Peer Education Application (application for all peer education program including SAFER)
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