Peer Education

PROJECT D.A.T.E.

A Peer Education & Prevention Project


Did you know...

  • 85% of rapes occur on college campuses are committed by someone with whom the victim is acquainted.
  • 50% of rapes of college women are committed on dates.
  • 25% of all college women report experiencing acquaintance rape or attempted rape.
  • 95% 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 18-24 are at greatest risk of being raped.

What is the DATE project all about?

DATE project is a date/acquaintance rape prevention program sponsored by University Counseling Services and Valley trauma center.

Peer Educators of DATE Project make classroom presentations that are designed to:

  • 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 skills, communication skills, and leadership skills.

Promoting a RAPE FREE Environment for CSUN

Guidelines for Women

  • Avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs. Be aware that some men may use alcohol as a means of coercing you to do things you may not want to do, and alcohol may enhance aggressive tendencies in males.
  • Pay attention to what is happening around you. Watch for nonverbal cues.
  • Trust your intution. If you feel that you are being pressured in any way, you probably are. LEAVE
  • Be assertive. Sometimes men interpret not responding as permission. Be direct and firm with someone who is sexually pressuring you.
  • Communicate your limits clearly and early. If you mean no, say "NO" firmly. If he persists, LEAVE.
  • Know your sexual desires 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.

Guidelines for men

  • Avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs. Even if you are drunk, 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.
  • Be aware of social pressures. It's OK not to "score."
  • Understand that the other person may not share your desire for intimate contact and/or for sex.
  • Don't assume that previous sexual contact applies to the current situation.
  • If you're unsure about your partner's desires, ASK.
  • Don't assume that just because a women dresses in a "sexy" manner she wants to have intimate contact.
  • Remember: NO means NO

Resources

24 Hr availability

  • University Police: 911
  • Valley Trauma Center: (818) 886-0453(V/TTY), (661) 253-0258
  • Pacific Asian Rape and Battering Hotline: (213) 653-4042
  • Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center: (310) 319-4000
  • L. A. Commission on Assaults Against Women(LACAAW): (213) 626-3393

On Campus Resources

  • University Counseling Services (Regular Business Hours): (818) 677- 2366
  • Student Health Center: (818) 677-2366, TTY (818) 677-3692
  • Cal State Northridge Women's Center: (818) 677-2780
  • On campus Safety Escort Service: (818) 677-5042/5048
  • (available from dusk to 11 p.m. weekday nights)

For further queries or Application forms contact:
University Counseling Services
Bayramien Hall, Room 520
(818) 677-2366
(818) 677-7834 TTY

Project DATE

If you're interested in becoming a D.A.T.E. Peer Educator, submit a
D.A.T.E. application.