Alpha Tau Omega is teaming up with the Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support (ACCESS) to start a movement that brings awareness to assault. ACCESS is a victim services program for survivors of domestic assault, sexual assault, homicide and crime violence.

“Sexual and domestic assault are popular subjects within the greek life across the country,” said Christopher Diaguila, a senior in criminal justice studies. “Alpha Tau Omega raises awareness on assault for those who are afraid to reach out and get the help they deserve.”

Alpha Tau Omega prides themselves on their statement that regardless of gender or sexual orientation, all are welcome. Whenever someone comes to the fraternity’s house, they can expect to be treated respectfully and receive any assistance when needed.

“Our purpose with ACCESS is to address the roots and impacts of domestic and sexual violence,” said Carson Louscher, a sophomore in pre-business. “We support the services they have to offer, such as enhancing safety and empowering the survivors. Overall, promoting a general understanding of the social justices within the community.”

Over the years, Alpha Tau Omega has been financially supporting the victim services program. In doing so, Alpha Tau Omega throws fundraisers with other sororities for philanthropy nights, such as Desserts After Dark and Donut Let Love Hurt.

A specific fundraiser Alpha Tau Omega started last year is Mother’s Weekend, which consists of a silent auction with gift baskets. This year the chapter raised $3,075. All of Alpha Tau Omega’s proceeds go toward ACCESS, which uses these donations for victims who need food, shelter, clothing or guidance through financial issues.

This semester, Alpha Tau Omega has created a program called Building Up Brothers. At their weekly chapter meetings, their Chaplin will discuss the lesson for the week on a wide variety of topics. Representatives from ACCESS and ISU police department have been brought in by Alpha Tau Omega to speak to the chapter about assault. The discussions are about topics everyone deals with on a day-to-day basis. The program offers a better understanding on how someone can go about improving themselves and others around them.

“It is neat talking about these issues as a brotherhood, friends and as college men,” Diaguila said. “It has been awesome to see the range of perspectives and ideas shared in chapter. After every week everyone walks away with a new concept on something.”

It is Louscher’s first year experiencing ACCESS, and he agrees with the beneficial factors. He said Building Up Brothers has allowed him and others to be the men they would like to be. This program has pushed him and his brothers to grow in aspects of respecting themselves and others around them.

“Next year, ATO plans to continue their relationship with ACCESS because we view it as such a great program and nowadays assault is a huge issue on college campuses that needs to be addressed,” Louscher said.