You can never know too much.

Students might think they know everything about sexual assault, but it still happens, said Judy Skorek, director of University Resources for Women.

Sexual Assault Awareness Week started Monday and Sexual Assault Task Force members intend to “inform and educate” NIU students about the dangers of rape, what constitutes rape and how to prevent it, Skorek said.

One out of six college women are rape victims or attempted-rape victims. Each year, one out of every 15 college men admit to committing sexual assault, said Gail Abarbanel, Rape Treatment Center director at Santa Monica Hospital Medical Center in California.

“College students are more vulnerable to rape than any other age group,” she said. “To compound the problem, studies have shown that more than 90 percent of campus rapes go unreported.”

“September has the highest number of rapes reported” because that’s when most students are returning to school, said Task Force Chairperson Bev Beetham. That’s why Sexual Assault Awareness Week is held this month, she said.

There will be posters hanging in the Holmes Student Center and a “rape window” near the student center information desk providing students with rape facts, Skorek said.

Students also can collect cards, pamphlets, balloons and “No Never Means Yes” buttons and posters informing them about rape myths, what constitutes sexual assault and date rape and informing students to respect each other’s sexual desires. The Wellness Center and Campus Assistance are providing the handouts, Skorek said.

“We’re trying to line Lucinda Avenue with balloons hoping students will take the balloons and just keep going, going, going,” she said.

Furthermore, Skorek said Wednesday has been designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Day.

Students passing through the student center’s Gallery Lounge might notice a movie playing at different times during the day starting at 10 a.m.

The movie, “Campus Rape,” is hosted by L.A. Law stars Susan Dey and Corbin Bernsen, said Paula Realini of University Resources for Women. The 20-minute film is shown on college campuses across the nation, she said.

“It’s not the kind of thing you can just walk past,” Skorek said. Students passing through the student center will be compelled to stop and watch the film, she said.

The film will hopefully reduce the number of sexual assaults.

Skorek said she hopes sexual assault victims or offenders realize through Sexual Assault Awareness Week that there are ways to get help.

The Sexual Assault Task Force consists of four elements—NIU’s Judicial Office, the Sexual Assault Response Team, Counseling and Student Development and University Resources for Women.