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Wednesday, May 22, 2013 | 4:56 a.m.

Posted: 10:44 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013

New campaign aims at preventing statutory rape

Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence
Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence

 

RENO -- An effort to stop kids from raising kids is hitting the streets.

According to Nevada Vital Statistics, in Nevada, 60 percent of pregnant girls under sixteen are fathered by men over 18, which, by law, is considered statutory rape.

Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Sue Meuschke, working with the Nevada State Health Division, is launching a public education campaign to reduce that number.

“Under 16 perhaps you have less ability to make good judgments about sex,” says Meuschke. “We want your partner to be thinking about those kinds of things.”

What makes the campaign unique for NNADV is that the target is not the girls, but rather men ages 18 to 24 who sometimes have sexual relationships with underage females.

“Were trying to involve the man in this decision making process and let folks know that it’s not ok,” says Meuschke. “Not only do we want the young man to know that but we want his friends to also help educate.”

Education and outreach coordinator Judy Henderson spent the afternoon figuring out locations to put the campaign posters with the slogan, ‘Dude, she can’t even get a driver’s license.’

She is targeting places where men may spend time waiting, like movie theatres, hair salons or athletic events.

“Whenever they have a few moments to just ponder and hopefully change their behavior of dating girls who are too young,” says Henderson.

She thinks businesses will be willing to help once they read the posters message.

“Hopefully they are also going to be sympathetic and empathetic towards what we’re trying to do to help younger girls,” says Henderson.

The organization is trying to get posters up as soon as possible.

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