Greeks Take Action

Sexual assault and relationship violence is one of the most pressing issues facing college campuses around the nation, including the University of Washington. Greeks Take Action is an initiative launched in March 2016, in partnership with the UW Interfraternity Council, along with the UW Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Activists (SARVA) and the UW Peer Health Educators (PHE), with the purpose of:

  • Promoting awareness of issues surrounding sexual assault among the members of our community;

  • Re-evaluating the way that the community works to prevent instances of sexual violence by implementing a variety of programs, trainings, and other events, using research-backed methodologies along with innovative new approaches;

  • Launching a comprehensive platform which can provide a sustainable approach towards preventing sexual violence on multiple levels, including an individual, chapter-wide and community level basis.

The following examples showcase ways in which chapters have engaged with the Greeks Take Action initiative. Use these examples as a way to leverage involvement from your chapter!

  • Host a joint-chapter programming event with the Fight the Fear Foundation, a Seattle-based non-profit organization focused on empowering survivors of sexual violence

  • Participate or attend the Anonymous Greek Survivors Panel: This was a brand new event cohosted by the IFC this past Spring. Participants were asked to read stories submitted anonymously by survivors of sexual assault within the community. The event highlights the harsh reality of sexual violence and serves as a call-to-action for community members.

  • Attend Take Back the Night, a quarterly event hosted by SARVA, which provides a platform for survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence to share their stories. Treat this as an opportunity to listen, and be respectful and supportive.

  • Host a screening of the Hunting Ground at your chapter: The Hunting Ground is an award-winning documentary which highlights the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses around the United States, and documents many of the challenges that survivors face during the reporting process. Watch it on Netflix today!

  • Attend a Green Dot Bystander Intervention training: This is a 6 hours comprehensive training hosted by UW Green Dot, in order to encourage bystander intervention.

Immediate Resources:

  • If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, please visit this webpage for survivor resources as well as information to report it.

  • The Health and Wellness Advocate is another excellent resource for survivors hwadvoc@uw.edu, (206) 685-4357.

  • If you need to get help for someone who you believe may be suffering from depression, self-harming, or at risk for suicide, do not hesitate to contact livewell@uw.edu or call 206.543.6085. That may be the most important decision you ever make.