Project D.A.T.E. is a peer education, date or acquaintance rape prevention program sponsored by University Counseling Services and Strength United. Student peer educators of Project D.A.T.E. make classroom presentations that are designed to achieve the following.
- Educate students of the psychological and cultural issues related to rape
- Inform students of the legal and medical issues related to rape
- Develop awareness of the issue of rape and ways to prevent rape
As part of this project, peer educators develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills.
Project D.A.T.E. hosts campus-wide programs each fall as part of It's On Us, a national campaign to end sexual assault, and each spring as part of Sexual Assault Awareness for Everyone (SAAFE) Week.
If you are interested in becoming a Project D.A.T.E. peer educator, submit an interest form. If you have any questions about Project D.A.T.E., call (818) 677-7723 or contact Project D.A.T.E. via email.
Facts about date rape
- Eighty-five percent of rapes that occur on college campuses are committed by someone with whom the victim is acquainted.
- Fifty percent of rapes of college women are committed on dates.
- Twenty-five percent of all college women report experiencing acquaintance rape or attempted rape.
- Ninety-five percent of all rapes occur when the rapist, victim or both are under the influence of alcohol.
- Rape is an act of violence.
- Of those cases that are reported, women ranging in age from 18 to 24 are at greatest risk of being raped.
Promoting a rape free environment at CSUN
- Students of all genders are responsible for promoting a rape-free campus environment.
- Avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs. Even if you are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, you are legally accountable for your behavior by the state law.
- It is your responsibility to know all of the forms of sexual misconduct. Touching can be a form of sexual assault. The Rights and Options for Survivors booklet includes a section on “What are Sexual Misconduct, Dating and Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Affirmative Consent.”
- Understand that the other person may not share your desire for intimate contact or for sex.
- Don't assume that previous sexual contact applies to the current situation.
- If you're unsure about your partner's desires, then ask.
- Don't assume that the way a person dresses implies interest in sexual activity or consent to such activity.
- Consent is “yes means yes.” The absence of a “no” is not consent.
- Know your sexual desire limits. You have the right to set limits. If you are not sure what you want, it's ok to stop and think about it.
Resources
Community Resources
The following services are available 24 hours a day.
- Emergency services: 911
- CSUN Department of Police Services dispatch: (818) 677-2111
- Strength United: 24/7 Support, referral, & crisis hotline
- San Fernando Valley: (818) 886-0453
- Santa Clarita Valley: (661) 253-0258
- National Sexual Assault Hotline
- 24-Hour Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE
- National Sexual Assault Online Hotline
- The Trevor Project Lifeline: Crisis hotline for LGBTQ youth (866) 488-7386
On-Campus Resources
- University Counseling Services - Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm: (818)677-2366, option 1
- University Counseling Services - 24/7 Urgent Care/Crisis Services
- During regular business hours: (818) 677-2366, Option 1
- Outside business hours, including holidays: (818)677-2366, Option 3
- Campus Care Advocates: (818) 677-7492 (confidential resource)
- Klotz Student Health Center: (818) 677-3666
- Title IX Coordinator: (818) 677-2077
- Matador Patrol: (818) 677-5042 or (818) 677-5048. The safety escort service is available from dusk to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
