Junior criminology majors Joe Gulino and Robert Ramsey have created MASIV, Men Against Sexual and Interpersonal Violence.

“Sexual assault is a growing issue on campus,” Gulino said.

The group was announced to the public through fliers handed out at a gender violence presentation given at NIU by Jackson Katz, a leading anti-sexism male activist in America.

“The Jackson Katz presentation was a good recruiting tool for us,” Gulino said.

Both Gulino and Ramsey said the organization’s goal is to establish awareness about sexual assault on campus and create a strong male presence to take a stance against sexual assault.

There was no NIU organization for men dealing with the issue of sexual assault before MASIV was formed, Gulino said.

“It’s a resource for men that are affected by sexual assault or have had girlfriends, family members or friends sexually assaulted,” he said.

MASIV is working to be recognized by the Student Association as a university-sponsored organization.

“It’s important for men to realize that sexual assault is not just a women’s issue and is something they have to step up and deal with as well,” Gulino said.

Although the program is geared toward men, everyone is welcome to attend the meetings, he said.

Ramsey is also involved in NIU’s Voices for Change, which educates incoming students on rape, sexual assault, dating violence and related topics.

MASIV’s next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Blue Room at University Resources for Women, 105 Normal Rd.