This University's Anti-Rape Campaign Message Is Powerful: Don't Rape

The University of Wisconsin-Madison unveiled a new anti-rape campaign called "Don't Be That Guy"

UW-Madison unveiled a new anti-rape campaign entitled "Don't Be That Guy" on campus earlier this week and it's brilliant.

Here is an example of an ad:

Basically, the message is clear and is aimed towards men: don't rape. Just because you or the victim is drunk, does not mean it's okay to have sexual intercourse with them.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Police (UWPD) have posted their ads on Twitter, where they have 13k followers.

UW-Madison Police @UWMadisonPolice

UWPD to potential sexual assault perpetrators: DON'T BE THAT GUY. #ThatGuy Details >> http://t.co/gdxcDuaQFu

03:58 PM - 31 Aug 2015

Additionally, the ads have been spread around campus.

UWPD / Via uwpd.wisc.edu

According to the UWPD website, over 600 posters have been distributed in campus buildings and residence halls. In addition, ads were placed on Madison Metro buses, on televisions around campus and table tents in dining halls.

According to the UWPD website the reasoning for the campaign is because, "Most sexual assaults occur between two people who know each other – it's the not the stereotypical bad guy who's lurking around a dark corner," UWPD Chief Susan Riseling said. "So, we wanted to target those who we know are responsible for these crimes – we want to focus on consent and alcohol use. And that's exactly what this campaign does."

UWPD has more information on their website website, including clearly stating what consent is.

UWPD

"Consent is a clear yes, not the absence of a no. Consent cannot legally be obtained if an individual is incapacitated due to alcohol or other drugs, is unconscious or asleep, or has limited mental capacity," the website states.

The University isn't new to anti-rape preventions on campus. Last semester I received this email from UWPD.

Look at what the body of the email says:

"Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. While nothing is failsafe, here are some suggestions everyone may want to consider:

-Make sure you have consent. Consent is a clear and freely given yes, not the absence of a no.

-People who are incapacitated by alcohol or drugs cannot give consent.

-Practice being assertive about your boundaries.

-Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or sense something is wrong, call for assistance.

-Be active in supporting a safe and respectful community. If you see others engaging in disrespectful or inappropriate actions, speak up and get involved, or contact someone else to assist."

Additionally, last fall UWPD launched a campaign called "You Can Tell Us"

The website gives information on where to report a sexual assault, what a sexual assault is and other great campus resources if you have been assaulted.

I could never be more proud of my Alma Mater. On Wisconsin.