How can you minimize sexual abuse?

• Understand that you are responsible for your own actions as an individual and as a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Understand your own sexuality and be aware of social pressures.Don’t assume that previous permission for sexual activity applies to the current situation.
• Don’t assume that just because someone dresses in a sexy manner and flirts that she/he wants to engage in sexual activity. Understand that these actions may be misinterpreted.
• Don’t get into a vulnerable situation with someone you don’t know or trust.
• Don’t participate in or allow sexist behavior to occur. Verbal harassment of women, whistles, snide comments and stares are assaults on any woman’s or man’s sense of well being. The underlying intention is to intimidate the person.
• Take an equal role in your relationships with the opposite sex.
• Reject sexual stereotypes that define women as passive, weak and irrational, and men as aggressive, macho and dominating.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol and other drugs that will impair your judgment and interfere with effective communications.
• Sexual assault is an extremely serious crime. Sexual intimacy is a free exchange between free people. Intimidation, coercion and force have no place in love-making.

What can your chapter do as a group to prevent sexual abuse?

• Review chapter “traditions” and eliminate sexist, degrading practices that signal to brothers that it is acceptable to demean or disrespect others. Party themes and t-shirts are two primary areas of concern for men’s and women’s groups.
• Host educational programs for your chapter. Hold a program on Sexual assault, abuse, harassment.  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• Address problems of substance abuse as these lead to other problems.
• Invite a counselor to conduct a program on male-female relationships and assertiveness communication and invite another fraternity or sorority to join your chapter in the discussion.
• Take a leadership role in the Greek community to condemn sexual harassment and abuse and promote a safe environment for everyone.