Complex issues for sexual assault peer education programs.

Peer education programs dealing with sexual assault are important for starting dialogue and improving students' awareness. If a peer education effort is to be effective, the college or university must have written policies condemning sexual assault, investigative and reporting procedures, and comprehensive sexual education and information programs. Experience at Brown University revealed the necessity of providing peer educators with opportunities during initial training for open and honest dialogue on the politics of campus rape, facing issues of power and dominance, women's dress as a factor in rape, and the distinction between victim and survivor. These discussions can be strained and frustrating, but they are a necessary step in resolving conflict among the peer educators and helping them provide a consistent message.