Sexual violence on campus is a topic that has flown under the radar for far too long. Anybody can be can be a victim of some form of sexual violence, and it is common to know someone who has suffered from this type of violation. The problem, though, is that victims rarely speak up about what they have experienced for many reasons. Some victims do not want to report it, and rather suppress what they went through, claiming that “it wasn't a big deal," while others may feel as though the sexual assault was partially their fault. Some victims are even afraid that their abuser may retaliate if they speak about the incident, and it is unacceptable that a victim of sexual violence should feel that it is their fault. Against common belief, hiding your abuse incident from those who can help them is not beneficial to your health.

Statistics on the victims of sexual violence is often inaccurate because some victims refrain from speaking out. Endrapeoncampus.org offers accurate statistics on the issue at hand, including the following:

• 21-25 percent of all college women experience sexual assault by graduation.
• Only 7 percent were reported to of all cases are reported to college officials and only 4 percent are reported to law enforcement.
• Of rape survivors who remained on campus,
  • 30.7 percent suffered academically
  • 44 percent had problems with friends and peers
  • 21.7 percent considered leaving school

On April 7, singer and actress Lady Gaga and United States Vice President Joe Biden stood together for the second time to join the fight against sexual violence at the University of Nevada. Biden was visibly moved when Lady Gaga courageously spoke out about her experience with sexual violence. Their work as a team against sexual violence has been successful in helping victims find their voice.

Gaga, who was first sexually assaulted at age 19, came forward about her experience as a victim during her most recent Academy Awards performance. Her song, "Til It Happens to You," tells the story of what she went through, and expresses how her experience continues to haunt her day after day. Her message portrays the idea that unless you've lived through sexual violence, you cannot understand how a victim is feeling or how difficult every day can be for them. Gaga, who is now 30 years old, took 11 years to come forward and publicly speak about her sexual assault and how she still struggles with it.

Biden states that Gaga is one of the bravest survivors he knows, claiming that her role in raising awareness about sexual assault on college campuses is something he wholeheartedly supports. He spoke for 40 minutes regarding the idea that sexual assault has become a cultural norm, and encouraged the crowd to have an active voice in the incidents they are aware of. The pair shares genuine commitment and enthusiasm in regard to raising awareness to sexual assault on college campuses, and will continue to speak out in future rallies in an effort to put an end to sexual violence.

If you or someone you know is suffering, or has been a victim of sexual violence, you can do any of the following:

• Go to your local/campus police to file a report.
• Seek counseling.
• Help a friend, and be there for them.
• Call (800) 656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

Reach out for help. You are not alone.