Fraternities and sororities are combining efforts for the first time to combat acquaintance rape and increase awareness of sexual assaults.

These issues affect both groups and developing more programs with sororities is one of the goals of IFC leaders, said J.P. Muir, coordinator for IFC chapter programs.

Attending programs to prevent incidents from occurring has always been a pledge requirement, but sorority involvement on this issue has previously not occurred, said Muir.

It is unknown what organizations will participate or how many programs will be held this semester, said Kelly Hyman, chapter education coordinator for Kappa Delta sorority, 209 Cross.

Many fraternities have expressed an interest in holding joint rape awareness programs, Hyman said.

Currently the National Pan-Hellenic Society has not been involved in the planning of the programs, said Scott Stephan, IFC president.

Joint programs will consist of discussing and viewing the movie "Someone You Know," Hyman said.

While Greek leaders agree acquaintance rape is not just a problem in their communities, open discussion about acquaintance rape is important because there are many misconceptions about it, Hyman said.

For example, few people know that most victims are raped by someone they know and trust, she said.

The state defines rape as sexual intercourse obtained through force or coercion without the victim's consent. Also, according to state law, legally drunk people cannot give consent.

If a man rapes a legally drunk woman, verbal consent is not a defense for the man, said Patty Johnstone, Center for Women Students sexual assault counselor.

Most rape victims do not report their encounter because they often blame themselves for being raped, Johnstone said.

Using "common sense" can be a good defense, she said. When groups of women go out they should designate one person to remain sober to watch over the others, Johnstone added.

Plans to implement widespread acquaintance rape awareness programs for fraternities and sororities are underway, Hyman said.

The Kappa Delta sorority held an acquaintance rape awareness program within their sorority earlier this semester. Although the program was educational, it would have been more effective if men had participated in it, Hyman said.

Hyman said she is planning to hold an acquaintance rape awareness program with Phi Kappa Psi Feb. 19.