When a sexual assault occurs, whether it be committed by a stranger, an acquaintance, or a date, much attention is focused on the victim of the crime and what she could have done differently to have avoided it. Other women who hear about the assault pay more attention to what they personally can do to lower the risk of sexual assault happening to them.

While risk reduction is extremely important, it certainly does not stop sexual assault from being committed. True prevention needs to take place. What is true prevention? How will sexual assault ultimately stop? Simple. The rapists stop raping.

Most men are not rapists. Most men do not want to see the women in their lives affected by the pain, injury and violence brought on by sexual assault. Unfortunately, statistics tell us that 1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. What does this mean to men? It means your sisters, mothers, girlfriends and daughters have a 25 percent chance of being affected, which ultimately means you will be affected.

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So, if you are a man and you are fed up with having women you care about living in fear of potential violence against them, you can do something about it.

Attend the BrotherPeace rally scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 18, at the Unitarian Church Fellowship, 301 W. Elm St. Speakers will be there to discuss proactive ways men can become involved in the movement to stop violence against women.

Women also are welcome. Hope to see you there!