Volunteers will come together today at NIU’s chapter of Get Carded 2003 in an effort to fight sexual assault.

More than 700 colleges around the country will participate in the event to create awareness about sexual assault, said Jamie Zuieback, communication director for the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN).

Volunteers will pass out wallet-sized cards around campus that will include the National Sexual Assault Hotline number, as well as tips on how to reduce the risk of sexual assault and what to do if you are sexually assaulted.

On the back of the cards, RAINN’s corporate partners, Tony and Tina’s Cosmetics and Student Advantage, provide special offers and discounts.

Student Advantage is the nation’s largest discount program. Proceeds from the purchase of a Student Advantage Card will go to RAINN.

“We would periodically have outreach programs, but this is our first comprehensive effort to reach hundreds of students across the United States,” Zuieback said. “This event will become annual after this year.”

The Get Carded program was created to let students know that free, confidential counseling is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline (at 800-656-HOPE), Zuieback said.

“Sexual assault is a very serious crime, and we wanted to provide a resource for what students want to know, and what they can do to prevent it,” Zuieback said.

According to RAINN, people age 16 to 24 are three times more likely to be sexually assaulted.

Also, 80 percent of sexual assault victims are under age 30, and 61 percent of rapes and sexual assaults are not reported to police.