Purdue News
Purdue News
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August 24, 2001 'One in Four' stops by Purdue on cross-country trekWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Four men who met at Central Michigan University will stop at Purdue Sept. 6 before they continue a cross-country hike to raise awareness about sexual assault issues. The group calls itself One in Four to reflect the statistic that one in four women in America will become the victim of sexual assault. They will speak about sexual assault prevention at 8 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 206. The group began their hike May 16 in San Francisco. The 13-state, 3,546-mile trek will conclude this fall in Washington D.C. The men plan to hike 20-30 miles per day and sleep in a tent most nights. Group member Steve McAllister of Bay City, Mich., says he became involved to make the world safer. "I have many people in my life whose lives were turned upside down because of sexual assault," McAllister says. "Finally, after years of being frustrated and confused about what to do, I was fortunate enough to meet a special group of people who helped show me how I could, as a man, make a difference." McAllister is joined by Michael Charbonneau of Royal Oak, Mich.; Patrick Hanlin of Buchanan, Mich.; and Joseph McCarthy of Grand Ledge, Mich. One in Four also seeks to spur legislative action to provide public funds for rape evidence kits and exams. Victims of sexual assault in Indiana are required to pay for the physical exam and other police evidence. The cost typically exceeds $800. While insurance often covers the expense, some women may not want the charge on their insurance bill to be seen by employers, spouses or other family members. While crime victim compensation funds are available, they are reserved for women with no other resources. The Purdue appearance by "One in Four" is sponsored by the Women's Resource Center. The walk is sponsored by Passageways/Carson Wagonlit Travel of Traverse City, Mich. CONTACT: Jacqui Miller, Women's Resource Office, (765) 494-9879, wro@purdue.edu. NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: A publication-quality photograph of One in Four is available at ftp://ftp.purdue.edu/pub/uns/. It is called Oneinfour.jpeg. Interview times with the group are available during the afternoon prior to the address. Contact the Women's Resource Office at (765) 494-9879 to make arrangements. Related Web site: Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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