Back in January, I wrote an article about what it's like to be a victim of sexual assault. I thought it was only appropriate to come back and write about Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month! This month is dedicated to the movement to end sexual violence and assault.
This year, more than 50 percent of college women will not report their assault to the police. This number is alarming. Why do women not report it? Victims don't think that their cases are considered "serious" enough. However, from my personal experience, reporting it opened a slew of new doors.
All victims of sexual assault deserve justice. Not only does it provide closure, but it can help spread awareness of the consequences of the act itself. Breaking the silence of this matter is tough, but well needed.
As college students on various sized campuses, we never really think about the "bad" that can happen to us. College campuses paint a picture of safety with multiple protection plans such as the emergency buttons that many campuses have scattered throughout their property. However, it's important to know your surroundings and to not always trust someone completely. Many people may believe that the victim is encouraging an unwanted sexual action towards them if they're dressed a certain way or acting a certain way. This can not be the way we think. Sexual assault can happen to anyone at any time in any place. You do not have to be out at a party to experience sexual assault. It can even happen in your dorm room when you're sound asleep.
Bystanders are put in an awkward position whenever they see this happening in front of them. Should I say something? Or, should I walk away and pretend that I never saw anything?
Here's your answer: Say something.
You may think, "It's none of my business," or "I don't want to cause a scene." These are normal thoughts that any bystander may have, but here's the catch: your actions matter. By intervening and possibly putting a stop to an attempted assault, you not only saved a victim, but you are stepping up to sexual assault and raising awareness about it. You have the opportunity to stop a crime that could be potentially life ruining.
Victims, on the other hand, don't know what to do after it happens to them. That's OK. Like I said before, it's best to report it to an official in order to obtain justice and closure. Life is too short to not speak up and get the peace you deserve. The road to recovery can be a long and emotional one, but make use of speaking about your experience to peers to raise even more awareness on the crime that impacted you.
As April rolls along, keep in mind the victims who have been affected by this act of violence. If you know someone who has been a victim, let them know that they are not alone. Hug them, love them and be there for them during this journey.
If you are a survivor, use this month as an outlet to voice your feelings, opinions and insights of your own experiences. Remember that you are not a victim, but a survivor.
If you're interested in taking the pledge to end sexual assault, give It's On Us a visit to take the pledge to keep men and women safe from sexual assault.
Be part of the solution.
