Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program (SARPP) Peer Educators

Sexual Assault Response and Prevention 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.

Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program (SARPP) Peer Educators bring men and women together to talk about rape. The S.A.R.P.P. program is a peer education program designed to educate, raise awareness, and in turn, prevent acquaintance 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 sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and resources for survivors and their friends and family.

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 Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program Education Workshop

The main goals of the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program Education 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 sexuallyexplicit material and frank conversation on the topic of sexual assault.

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.

How to Request a Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program (SARPP) Education Workshop

If you are interested in scheduling a S.A.R.P.P. Education workshop, click here to fill out our online form. Please have the following information ready: the group you represent, topic of your program: desired date of program and time, location where you plan to hold the program, and anticipated size of your audience. To ensure that we will be able to fill your request,try to schedule your program two weeks in advance.

How to become a Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program (SARPP) Peer Educator

Interviews for the SARPP program begin in February, and admission is rolling until the program is full. Approximately 12-15 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.