WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Sexual Violence Resource Center is in Washington, D.C., today to support the White House's new public awareness and education campaign, "It's On Us." President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden unveiled the campaign to engage students and colleges to take active roles in preventing sexual assault on campus.
"This is another step in the Obama administration's ongoing commitment to shed light on this far-reaching problem. Everyone has a role in preventing sexual violence. By working together, we can make our schools and communities safer," NSVRC Director Karen Baker said.
"It's On Us" stresses the importance of engaging bystanders in preventing sexual assault. It outlines how campuses can proactively work with local rape crisis centers to successfully address this issue. The campaign website (itsonus.org), includes a pledge, resources, and celebrity-driven PSA including Jon Hamm, Kerry Washington and Connie Britton.
Earlier this year, Biden unveiled "Not Alone," the first report from the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. NSVRC submitted recommendations that helped inform the report.
To continue the conversation on campus sexual assault, NSVRC's annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign will offer additional information and resources on the topic. In April 2015, the campaign's theme will be "Safer Campuses. Brighter Futures. Prevent Sexual Violence." For more information on how to get involved, visit nsvrc.org/saam.
Founded by PCAR in 2000, the NSVRC coordinates Sexual Assault Awareness Month, hosts national events, and works with experts across the U.S. to identify, develop and disseminate information on all aspects of sexual violence prevention and intervention. For more information, visit www.nsvrc.org, www.facebook.com/nsvrc and www.twitter.com/nsvrc.