Next week, sexual assault awareness will be at its height at Saint Louis University. A week of festivities has been planned by Sexual Assault Peer Educators (SAPE).

Sexual assault is a serious problem among all of America’s Universities. There are many organizations and projects put together to promote awareness and limit abuse. SAPE will dedicate the next week to promoting this awareness at SLU.

“Our theme is `The power to change,’ and we believe that although sexual assault is not an obvious problem on SLU’s campus that a great number of students are affected by it,” said Sarah Owens, Chair of SAPE.

SAPE will be sponsoring a number of events every day next week. There have been many contributors who should help make the event a success. These include: Women’s studies, START and Graduate Social Work Association.

The week will kick off with a presentation from Loulou Hong called “The Date that lasted a Lifetime.” Hong has spoken to SLU at a community 101 session in the fall, her presentation will be dealing with date rape.

On Tuesday there will be a “Take Back the Night March,” an event that promotes awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault. SAPE has also offered an invitation to other schools in the area to participate, and some students from Washington University are expected to attend.

Self-defense classes will be held on Wednesday in Simon Rec. The class will take place at 7 p.m. where students will attempt to build confidence and safety skills. “It is usually a pretty fun event. Our presenter is very laid back and familiar with the needs of college students,” commented Owens.

Thursday marks the high point of the week with a benefit at Humphrey’s from 6 to 9 p.m.

There will be prizes, live performances by Third Shift and Quadraphonic and a “Say What Kareoke” contest. “SAPE would like to present an opportunity for students to get together and have a good time for a good cause,” Owens said.

This event will also raise money for a local women’s safe house and sexual assault awareness in the community. The event is free and open to anyone 18 and over.

The film Kiss the Girls will be shown on Friday and will be preceded by a discussion.

“I am looking forward to making this week a sterling example of how much SLU students can do,” said Owens. “I think they have more power then they realize.”