1. According to RAINN, every two minutes an American is sexually assaulted and on average, there are 288,820 victims (age 12 or older) of rape and sexual assault each year in the United States.
This means that every day 720 people are sexually assaulted. Everyday 720 people will have their lives changed forever.
2. Not because they are your brother or sister, aunt or uncle, but because they are a human being.
The concept is not hard. A personal relationship to someone should not change anything. They are somebody and they deserve the same respect as anyone else.
3. Because not just women can be victims of rape or sexual assault.
It is possible for men to be victims as well. In fact, 1 in 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime, according to RAINN. Trans men and women are also victims of sexual violence. Rape can happen to everyone.
4. 1 in every 4 women and 1 in every 16 men will be victims of sexual assault on a college campus.
That means that out of my 30 sorority sisters, 7 of them will be victims. It means that in every class I have, there is bound to be someone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. College is supposed to be a place where you can feel safe, it is supposed to be your home away from home. Instead it is a place where I am in fear of becoming a victim.
5. Because rape affects not only the victims but their friends and families as well.
Chances are, you know someone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. Watching someone have to deal with the aftermath is a very hard thing to do. It is very hard to watch someone who was once so happy, lose that light inside them. It fills you with rage and pain, because all you wish is for them to be happy and healthy again.
6. Because too many of my friends have been victims of rape or sexual assault.
I am writing this for the people I know who have, unfortunately, had to go through this. I have seen too many people lose that bright light inside of them. Too many of my friends have had a piece of them taken away.
7. Because no means no.
This needs no further explanation. No means no. It doesn't mean maybe, it doesn't mean keep asking. It means no. Being drunk means no as well. If the person is asleep, that means no. If the person does not answer, that means no. The only time it means yes is when your partner says yes.
9. Girls are taught how to prevent rape and boys aren't taught not to rape.
When I was in middle school, I was told not to wear certain things because it would catch a boys attention. I can still remember being upset and confused as to why I couldn't wear one of my favorite shirts to school. Every day women and even girls are taught different things to keep themselves safe from an attack. Don't walk alone at night. If you are ever in a situation where you need help, yell fire because yelling rape will get you no help. Don't wear clothes that are too revealing because someone could take that as an invitation. My brother is 12 years old and most likely doesn't even know what the word rape means. By the time I was 12, I knew exactly what rape was and how to prevent it.
10. Because no one should have to go through the unimaginable pain of rape and sexual assault.
From what I have seen and heard, it is an indescribable pain that is forced upon someone. So much is taken from someone when they are raped or sexually assulted, and no one should ever have to go through it.
11. Rape is everyone's problem. Not just the victim, their families or their attacker, but everyone.
Even if you don't know someone who has been affected by sexual violence, it still affects you. It is everyone's problem because no matter who you are, you are at risk for becoming a victim. No matter your gender, sexual orientation, race, or anything. Everyone is at risk unless something is done to stop these horrific crimes of sexual violence.
