All news forums have reported a case of sexual assault to the public at one point or another. As of late, I've been seeing more and more cases being brought to the public's attention, which is awesome, but sexual assault and rape on college campuses still happen more often than we would like them to.
In order to maintain safety and trust with your school and peers, you should be an advocate to stop sexual assault. Make the issue known to as many people as possible so that they're all aware it is a prevalent and pressing problem. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself, as well as your friends when galavanting across campus during school hours and after they end.
1. Educate yourself on what EXACTLY sexual assault is.
Sadly, some people don't even know what specifically qualifies as sexual assault. Some have their own personal definitions that exclude some actions that are very much so considered assault. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "sexual assault" as, "illegal sexual contact that usually involves force upon a person without consent or is inflicted upon a person who is incapable of giving consent (as because of age or physical or mental incapacity) or who places the assailant (such as a doctor) in a position of trust or authority."
So that seemingly innocent ass tap you gave to a girl at a party as she was walking by? That's sexual assault. And if you get called out for that ass tap by the receiver and they do not like it, apologize. Do not defend yourself and your actions. Own up to them so that way the situation doesn't escalate and you dig yourself into a hole you can't get out of. Just check yourself.
2. If they say no, DON'T DO IT!
Really though... How hard is this to understand? The concept of consent is a very simple one to grasp. If you feel like you or someone you know may not fully grasp this concept, please watch the video above.
3. Travel in pairs or larger groups no matter how short the walk is.
According to RAINN, our nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, 29% of all sexual assault cases happen while, "traveling to and from work or school, or traveling to shop or run errands." It never hurts to be too safe when you're walking around, especially when you're by yourself. Whenever possible, travel in packs if you're walking around later in the evening because you are seen as less of a target. But if you do find yourself alone, be overly protective of yourself. As stupid as you may think you are for calling an Uber only to travel 2 blocks by yourself, you're actually one of the smartest cookies in the jar.
4. Don't give people drinks with dangerous substances in it.
Why do people go out of their way to harm others including strangers? Beats me. You would think it would be common sense by now, but alas, it is not. If someone denies you sexual intimacy, do not go behind their back to get your way. Don't let your pelvis do all the thinking. Leave that to your brain.
5. If you know it's going on, report it.
If you ever find yourself or anyone else in a situation that involves sexual assault, report it. Unfortunately, RAINN enlightens us by saying that, "Only 310 of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to the police. That means about 2 out of 3 go unreported." If you believe that you won't receive help or justice because you were drunk or high or in whatever situation that you were in, you are wrong. You will be helped because your body is a temple and no one should have the power to make you do something that you don't want to do. If you find the first person you tell isn't helping, tell another person. Keep telling people until you are helped.
6. Be respectful.
Respect is the one thing that could stop this epidemic altogether. Respect others. Don't do anything you wouldn't do to yourself to another person. Don't put another person in a situation you would hate to be in. Treat others how you want to be treated! We have been taught that exact virtue for as long as we can remember. Apply it to your everyday life, not just when it comes to sex.
While having respect for others is key, don't forget to respect yourself. If you feel like you're in a sketchy situation, leave. If your gut is telling you that something is wrong, you owe it to yourself to get out of it. Nine times out of 10, your gut is always right. Listen to it. Respect it.
