What Happens When Fraternities Start a Social Movement to End Sexual and Domestic Violence?

    RALEIGH, NC, June 12, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The safety of college campuses is under scrutiny, particularly regarding sexual violence. Some reports of rape involve fraternity members, feeding stereotypes that fraternities pose a danger to campus women.

In the midst of this campus climate, the actions of fraternity men in North Carolina challenge those stereotypes.

At the end of the school year, these men commemorated Sexual Assault Awareness Month by creating events that instigated campus dialogue on the issue and raising funds to support local domestic violence agencies. They are part of Fraternities4Family, a campaign to end sexual and domestic violence.

Raleigh attorney Charles R. Ullman, sponsor of the campaign, has seen the devastating effect of domestic and sexual violence in his practice as a major cause in the demise of countless families.

He wanted to create an opportunity for men to be a strong force in changing attitudes and actions on campus. "I believe involving men is an integral step toward reducing violence. Young men are more likely to listen to other young men," says Ullman.

Ullman's hopes soon became reality once the fraternities started planning events and fundraising for local domestic violence agencies.

"I can certainly identify a culture shift in our college campus," said Interfraternity Council President at North Carolina State, John Stewart. "Men on campus are recognizing their role to step up and be exactly that: men. If we are to change the culture on our campus and on campuses across the nation, it starts with a few and it starts right now."

At NC State, Fraternities4Family partnered with the Division of Academic and Student Affairs to present a screening of the documentary The Hunting Ground. The film addresses the failure of school administrators to respond to, or deem credible, allegations of sexual assault on their campuses.

That schools would willfully cover up such allegations has been the focus of federal investigations of over 100 institutions.

The panel discussion that followed included campus officials, Ullman and Rebecca Gibson of the Durham Crisis Response Center. Students had opportunity to address issues raised in the documentary and to voice the need for administrators at their school to take allegations seriously.

NC State fraternities also organized a large donation drive to provide essential supplies to domestic violence survivors and participated in fund raising events to help the Durham Crisis Response Center support survivors.

Aurelia Sands Belle, Executive Director at the Center recognizes the impact of the fraternities' efforts. She says, "It has been wonderful working with a group of dynamic young men who, through service, demonstrate their understanding of and commitment to ending violence against women and children."

At Duke University, fraternities organized fundraising events and some men visited a local high school to provide mentorship and discuss healthy relationships.

Their work stands in stark contrast to the controversy surrounding dismissal of Duke Basketball player, Rasheed Sulaimon, after reports that the athletic staff knew of two pending rape allegations against the player for as long as 10 months.

As college men become more involved in raising awareness about sexual violence, their message will reach an increasing number of male peers. The intended outcome of a reduction in sexual assault cannot come soon enough.

Working alongside staff from Families Living Violence Free, Thomas Bagley, Philanthropy Chair of Phi Delta Theta recognizes his efforts to reach boys even before they come to college can have an important impact.

"If the students take away one piece of information from what you said, you've made a difference," says Bagley.

False assumptions about perpetrators have also been cast aside as the men educate themselves and others. Bagley explains, "It has helped dispel the 'man in the bushes' myth, with many victims knowing their perpetrators."

The immediate and long-term impacts of Fraternities4Family are substantial. Ullman says this campaign's "effort to stop domestic and sexual violence, and to start a dialogue about the issue will reach people before they come into my office."

Ullman feels an important part of the campaign is that the fraternity men make people aware of the resources available to them to get help.

"When those touched by this campaign see there are organizations and people talking about sexual and domestic violence, the open discussion makes survivors more willing to come forward," Ullman added.

Bagley recognizes the difference men talking to men can have. "If our work means one less victim, we have done well. Just in talking to other college men, we know that we are changing perceptions about their understanding of what sexual or domestic violence is. The result will be fewer people harmed."

"Fraternities4Family isn't just a cause, it's a campaign for change, and we're making change happen, one conversation at a time," says Bagley.

Tammy Donald of the Durham Crisis Response Center works on campaigns to educate and support survivors on a daily basis and is enthusiastic about the power of a campaign that focuses on bringing men into the movement. She says, "If we all keep pulling together, one day sexual assault and domestic violence will cease to exist in our community and country."

In October, the campaign will continue during Domestic Violence Awareness Month at both NC State and Duke, as well as UNC- Asheville, UNC- Charlotte and Elon University with more fundraising, educational events and volunteering to keep the culture of change moving forward.

For more information please contact:

Press contact:
Marjorie Marr
Fraternities4Family - Charles R. Ullman & Associates
(919) 455-1744
[email protected]

Fraternities 4 Family:
Charles R. Ullman
Charles R. Ullman & Associates
[email protected]
http://www.charlesullman.com/our-firm/fraternities4family/
(919) 829-1006

North Carolina State University, 2015
John Steward
IFC President
[email protected]
919-801-7757

Mark Foley
President-Phi Delta Gamma
[email protected]
919-358-2342

Duke University
EJ Baldridge
IFC President
[email protected]
(432) 638-5699

Thomas Bagley
Phi Delta Theta
301-395-8691
[email protected]

Durham Crisis Response Center
Tammy Donald
Director of Marketing & Project Development
[email protected]
www.durhamcrisisresponse.org
Direct Line: 244-888-1193
Main Office: 919-403-9425

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