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Red banners raised for sexual assault awareness at IU

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) — A student group at Indiana University is hoping to raise awareness about sexual assault and violence on campus with a new campaign.

The group called ‘Men against Rape and Sexual Assault’ started the banner up campaign this year.

The board of directors was looking for a way to raise awareness on campus, but also responding to an incident at Old Dominion University.

According to reports, a fraternity house off campus displayed banners promoting sexual assault.

Many fraternity houses along Jordan Avenue are showing support with the red banner. The campaign is catching the attention of students on campus.

“It’s just really great to see their support and fighting the stereotype against Greek life,” said Bailey Daniels, IU student.

Josh Shalen is the president of Sigma Alpha Mu.

Shalen told 24-Hour News 8 by phone he knew his chapter had to get involved with the campaign after attending a session last year.

“They ran a session last year that had survivor of sexual assault come in and she told her story and it really really struck me,” said Shalen. “She could have been my sister; she could have been my best friend.”

MARS is made up of more than 230 men. Many of them are part of the Greek life on campus.

The group is hoping that the banner up campaign will encourage students to get involved with the fight against sexual assault.

“It’s all about raising awareness and just people talking about the banners is where it starts and it lays the foundation for us to actually, working towards a working and possible solution,” said Shalen.

MARS also provides learning resources and training for members, like the bystander intervention.

The training will be held next Monday.

Click here to learn more about MARS.