Classes at Miami University have been in session for a month, and already the sexual assaults have begun. In the first two weeks, the university police sent out three emails regarding sexual assaults on campus. And those are only the reported ones. Miami has a horrific habit of having high rates of sexual assaults each year. My first year, there were over nine cases reported in just the first semester. At least once a week I get a phone call from my mother, offering me the same advice she's given me since I was old enough to understand. I have long since memorized these "rape prevention commandments," but I've always wondered why boys don't get anything drilled into them other than the occasional "be a gentleman." Looking back on each semester I've spent at Miami, though, it seems that some never got the "be a gentleman" pat on the back.
So that you can get an idea of the things your female-identifying counterparts are advised, here are 10 things you boys should know in order to prevent rape on college campuses.
1. Be aware of your surroundings.
You should always know what's going on in the area around you.
If you feel like you are responsible for escalating a situation or putting a woman in a bad spot, you should leave the area.
2. Always carry a sharpened pencil with you.
If you think you plan on raping someone, just take your sharp pencil out and give yourself a quick jab in the hand!
3. Watch what you drink.
What you drink or what someone else drinks should not be used as a reason to take advantage of them.
It's best not to drink at all; that way no one can say you brought it upon yourself by drinking.
4. Watch what you wear.
What you wear to go out matters.
Especially if you don't plan on raping anyone, so you need to make sure your clothes don't give people the wrong impression.
5. Don't ever walk alone.
Everyone knows it's never a safe idea to walk alone.
You never know, you might rape someone.
6. Use the Buddy System.
Again, it's not safe to walk alone. So walk with a buddy to make sure you don't assault anyone.
7. Tell a friend where you're going
If you refuse to listen to the advice given above, at least text a friend so they'll know where you'll be.
That way, someone will be able to hold you accountable if you assault.
8. "Boys will be boys" no longer applies to you.
The phrase "boys will be boys" applies only to 8-year-olds making mud pies and climbing trees. So if you do not meet those criteria, you are responsible for your actions and their consequences.
9. Be careful who you let into your dorm room.
You never know just who you're letting into your room, even if they're your friends. You don't want to be trapped in such a small space alone with someone, you never know what might happen.
10. Don't put yourself in that position.
And finally, just be smart. Don't put yourself in a position where you might rape someone.
Before anyone gets upset and tries to argue "not all boys!", know that I agree with you. Not all boys need this advice, not all boys rape other people. But even so, all girls get these points of advice drilled into their heads. And the advice isn't always helpful; in fact, every piece of "advice" blames the girl for her potential rape. It's her fault she didn't watch her drink, it's her fault she wore that outfit, etc. It's time to stop blaming victims for their assaults, and it's long overdue to stop blaming young women and turning them into potential victims only instead of people.
If you or a friend at Miami University need support, feel free to call these numbers:
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator: (513) 529-1870
Women Helping Women: (513)-381-5610
Student Counseling Services: (513)-529-4634