Last Tuesday the Greek program at the University of Denver sponsored a special presentation entitled “Take Back the Night.” The presentation marked the beginning of National Sexual Assault Awareness Week.

Andrea Cooper, a TriDelta alumna, is a professional speaker who travels to college campuses educate students about the prevelance and reality of rape.

Cooper presented “Kristin’s Story,” a mother’s account of rape and depression. The presentation was sponsored by the Alpha Chi Omega and Tri Delta sororities.

Cooper’s daughter Kristin was a college sophomore when she was raped in 1995. Soon after the rape, Kristin became extremely depressed. She did not tell anyone about the rape except her boyfriend, who broke up with her soon after.

Cooper thought her daughter’s depression was caused by the break-up with her boyfriend; little did she know her daughter had been hiding the pain of sexual assault.

On New Year’s Eve 1995, Kristin committed suicide. Her rape was revealed through writings and poems in her journal.

Cooper said the most important thing that someone can do to help a rape victim is to simply listen to him/her. If you are approached by a rape victim, it is also important to encourage the victim to get a medical exam and also to notify the proper authorities as soon as possible.

Cooper is almost positive Kristin was raped by an old high school friend, when she was over at his house one summer night. But, because Kristin’s testimony is unavailable, the Coopers cannot take action against the rapist.

Instead, Cooper travels to college campuses spreading information about prevention of rape and help for rape victims.

Cooper shared some alarming statistics about rape, such as, one in four women has been raped or sexually assaulted. Also, 85 precent of rapes are committed by friends, relatives or someone seemingly trustworthy, and 40 percent of rape victims do not tell anyone about their rape. And one in six men are sexually assaulted or raped.

Some tips for preventing sexual assault include: do not walk around by yourself at night, be cautious when drinking alcohol and be aware of your surroundings and acquaintances.

Cooper ended her speech saying, “Date rape is a form of uniquely intimate cruelty. While the body is violated, the spirit is maimed.”

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, the first and most important thing to do is tell someone—a trustworthy friend, parent or even counselor.

If a friend tells you he or she has been sexually assaulted, be a good listener and do not judge him/her.Encourage him/her to get a medical exam immediately and to speak with a counselor.

Before hearing Cooper’s speech, students traced their hands onto pieces of paper with the message, “These hands will never be hurt,” signifying prevention of sexual assault.