Maverick Records' Ben Jelen Headlines Rape Prevention Effort

Thousands of volunteers to visit 2,000 high schools on April 15, educate

1+ million students across US

Washington, DC — RAINN, America's largest anti-sexual assault organization, announced today that singer/songwriter Ben Jelen, Maverick Records' hot new artist and one of Teen People's twenty “What's Next for 2004” stars, will headline its inaugural Before & After high school education program. More than 3,500 volunteers will also participate in this groundbreaking effort to prevent sexual assault.

On Thursday, April 15th, thousands of volunteers will visit more than 2,000 high schools across the nation.  They will provide students with crucial safety information and tips on sexual assault prevention and recovery.  More than one million students will also receive a wallet card with tips and the number of the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1.800.656.HOPE).

”More than 40% of all sexual assault victims are under the age of 18,” said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN's president. “But the word is getting out: Sexual assault has fallen by half since 1993. By providing students with important safety advice and tips, we hope to sustain and build on this trend.”

Jelen will serve as the official spokesperson for Before & After. He will appear at several high schools in New York City on April 15^th to discuss the program with students.  Jelen will also promote Before & After during his national tour in support of his debut album, Give It All Away.

“RAINN provides an amazing support network for victims of rape and sexual assault.  I'm proud to join with them to help educate young adults about prevention skills, awareness, and where to go for help," said Jelen.

“Ben's personal commitment and energy on behalf of RAINN and Before & After is amazing.  He's a great spokesman and a big help to our efforts to prevent sexual assault,” said Berkowitz.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. 

For more information about RAINN or Before & After, please visit www.rainn.org.