Half the victims of sexual assault who were brought into hospital for examination were16 or under in 2001, the Women?s Resource Centre said yesterday.

The Centre said it was concerned about the increase in dating violence and sexual assaults on young people, and had joined forces with Police and forensic nurses to form a sexual assault response team (SART).

?It is the opinion of SART that there is a rising incident of sexual promiscuity amongst the youth, caused by a lack of self esteem, predatory males, parents not wanting to prosecute and other psycho-social issues,? the Centre?s release said. ?This represents a very concerning situation for the health and welfare of Bermuda?s young people?.

As a result, they announced a joint production of a one-man play titled ?You the Man? which seeks to address unhealthy relationships, dating violence and sexual assault.

?The performance will raise concerns, dispel myths, address social pressures, and offer insight as to how devastating this violence can be,? they said.

It does not seek to vilify but was about emphasising the importance of making the right choices.

Performer Tim Collins plays six different characters, moving in and out of each one quickly while assisted with only a few props.

Three of his characters are connected to a young woman who is in an abusive relationship ? the other three are unconnected and focus on sexual assault issues.

?None of the characters themselves are being abusive or violent,? they said. ?No violence actually occurs on stage?.

?You the Man? is sponsored in part by the Ministry of Education and tickets have been distributed within the Island?s schools for all students over 13-years old.

Questions about the problems of sexual assault will be answered by a panel consisting of members of the Bermuda Police Service, Court Services, and the Ministry of Education.

The performance starts at City Hall on Tuesday March 8 and Wednesday March 9 at 10.30 a.m. for students and 8 p.m. for the public.

The author of the performance is Cathy Plourde, which is being produced by Denise Whitter of Healing Stage Productions as well as Add Verb Productions.

Tickets for the evening performance are $10.