Option aids rape prevention

Every year during registration, students have had choices they could check off after picking their classes. One choice, a $3 donation to the Middle Way House, benefits rape crisis programming. \n"Just three dollars can make a very big difference," junior Melissa Lear said. "This line is used by all members of the Bloomington community who need it, including IU students."\nBut perhaps many students don't realize the importance of their donation.\n"The funds we receive from student registration check off are vital," Toby Strout, executive director of the Middle Way House, said. "The other funds we receive from various other sources don't even make up one person's salary."\nParticipation in the check off is low, and Strout said low participation could potentially cause the check off to be eliminated.\nSixty-four out of every 100,000 women reported being raped in 1999, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Report 2000. Although these statistics might seem low in relation to world population, rape is not a rare occurrance. \n"Many rape victims, if not most, do not report the occurance," Amy Woods, crisis intervention services coordinator, Middle Way House, said.\nThe staff at the 24-hour rape crisis center at the Middle Way House are on call for the police and the emergency room to advocate for rape victims. \n"We stay with the rape victim throughout their entire medical examination, many times from five to eight hours," Woods said. "Not only do we provide support, but we can help victims get into touch with the right people who reimburse victims of sex crimes. Also, if they feel unsafe, we will provide shelter at the Middle Way House."\nThe organization provides community-wide education seminars, prevention seminars in high schools, support groups for rape victims and legal advocacy for rape victims.\n"It is possible for victims to recover with the right treatment, so it is essential we receive student funds," Strout said. "Most of us know someone who has been raped, and this donation goes a long way in helping people who have been traumatized."\nAlthough it is a common misconception, women are not the only rape victims.\n"About one in 10 men will be raped in their lifetime," Woods said.\nStrout said a fundraiser is always harder to sustain than to begin, so the Middle Way House is asking students to check off the $3 donation to continue this important resource.\nTo reach the rape crisis line, call 812-336-0846 or to reach Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network call 1-800-656-HOPE. \nFor information on the Middle Way House visit their Web site at www.bloomington.in.us/~mwhouse/.