It is estimated that one in four college women experiences actual or attempted sexual assault and, 90 percent of the time, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows -- perhaps a classmate or a friend.

SABER (Sexual Assault Behavior Education Response) is a student organization on campus that works to promote awareness, prevention and effective response to this type of sexual assault, as well as sexual assault of any kind.

SABER is committed to reducing the number of sexual assaults on college students. They work to educate students about high-risk situations, assisting students to learn the basics about sexual consent, helping students to gain the skills to communicate clearly about sexual matters, and promoting an atmosphere of respect and equality for all students.

There are many ways students can get involved with SABER. Students can help by becoming peer educators. This involves providing information to other students by speaking to classes and student organizations.

Also, students can help with SABER-sponsored activities such as the “Take Back the Night” march in the spring, and can work on publicity and fund-raising activities.

Peer educators typically go through a training session in the fall and are then required to attend regular monthly SABER meetings, which generally consist of a brief business meeting and then an informative program. Some presenters include outside community members, such as police officers and forensic nurses. Some are peer educators trying out new programs to get constructive feedback.

“The peer education program is a terrific way for students to build their professional skills for nearly any career that involves working with people,” said Dr. Jennifer Levy, an adviser to the group.

SABER is not a counseling service or a direct-service group for victims; however, peer educators do receive training about community resources.

Peer educator training this year will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 29, and Thursday, Sept. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. Supper will also be provided to those who attend. There is no cost for the training or the training material; however, it is necessary to pre-register by e-mailing Levy at jlevy@utm.edu.

SABER welcomes any and all UTM students, faculty, or staff to join them. Community members can help with SABER projects as well.

For more information about SABER, the peer educator program, and other projects being worked on, students are welcome to attend the first SABER meeting of this semester at 6 p.m today in 229 UC. SABER normally meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

Along with Levy, students may also contact Lt. Ray Coleman (ccoleman@utm.edu), and Professor Cile Grasfeder (cgrasfed@utm.edu) or visit the SABER Web site at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/saberutm/.