Advocates offer support to sexual assault victims
Published Sept. 7, 2007
To the Greek Advocates, knowledge is power.
The Greek Advocates is a group of fraternity and sorority members who sponsor activities to increase awareness about rape and sexual assault. Its goal is to "get the word out there about rape and sexual assault," Greek Advocates President Richard Miller said.
"The more people we can educate, the more we can prevent rape and sexual assault," he said.
The advocates said they also hope to be a resource for those who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
The group is unique because every member is also a part of the Greek community, Greek Advocate Tara Smutz said.
Members of the group train for two hours each week during the spring semester.
They hear from speakers about topics, including drugs, helping a friend, the police process and the hospital process.
For example, in the past, a nurse has come to the training to describe the procedure the hospital takes when a survivor comes in.
"We also spend a lot of time doing discussion so that the members can start to talk about the issues frankly and openly," Smutz said.
In years past, the group has co-sponsored Rock Against Rape with Stronger Together Against Rape and Peer Rape Educators. The event serves as a fundraiser for Columbia charities by providing an evening of music for students to enjoy.
The group also plays host to a shelter drive with STAR to donate bathroom supplies and kitchen appliances to Columbian families.
The Greek Advocates will make presentations on any topic relating to rape or sexual assault to any chapter if requested.
The Greek Advocates was formed by three students and has been around for about 10 years, but participation had been dwindling until four years ago, when a few students and teachers reorganized the program.
Now, one of its goals is to have representatives from every chapter.
"People join because they want to know more about the subject," Greek Advocates Councilwoman Angel Yang said. "They want to make communities safer and personally want to help."
Members of the Greek community can join by filling out an application that will be available in mid-October. Once applications are received, applicants go through an interview process and meeting with advisers, faculty members and executive members of the group.