NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — At least 100 colleges are under investigation by the federal government for possible mishandling of campus date rape, according to Ellen Bravo, author of Again and Again, a novel about how date rape reverberates throughout the victim’s life.

Bravo, who lives in Milwaukee and starts a 10-city author tour there September 3, believes every parent should discuss the subject.

“The Bill Cosby type of sexual assault takes place in the celebrity realm. It outrages us, but doesn’t have a real world correlation. Campus date rape is real,” says Bravo.

GRIM STATISTICS

The statistics are grim – an estimated 20- 25 percent of young women will face the threat, or experience the horror, of rape during college. Often the assault occurs on a date. More than half of raped college women tell no one.

Often those responsible are serial perpetrators, targeting women who seem vulnerable, relying on flattery and alcohol. A videotape describes the technique. “The person represented in the tape regarded himself as a nice guy,” says Bravo.

Parents have a duty to confront this uncomfortable subject. Bravo’s book is a wake-up call.

THE CONVERSATION

“The Conversation” should include both young women and men, since men should make sure that they don’t unintentionally support rape. “They may have an opportunity to stop a rape and help change the culture,” says Bravo. “Our young men can’t be passive bystanders.”

Colleges that receive federal funds have a responsibility under Title IX to be proactive against date rape.

“College should be an awesome time,” Bravo says. “This conversation can help prevent a tragedy with long-lasting consequences.”

CULTURE CHANGE

In Again and Again, a campus date rape crime is mishandled and has a lingering toll on a group of friends. Inspired by a real-life story, Bravo decided a novel would have greater impact than a non-fiction book.

The former director of 9to5, the organization that inspired the movie, Ellen Bravo wrote and trained extensively on preventing sexual harassment. She heads Family Values @ Work, a network of coalitions working towards paid sick days and family leave policies. Bravo is an award-winning writer. Her commendations include the Ford Foundation’s Visionary Award and a Ms Foundation Trailblazer Award.

SOURCE Ellen Bravo