Many people think that sexual assault is a problem that just can't be fixed. It's been around for so long, it can be an intimidating idea to try and stop it all together. But if everyone follows these three simple steps, you'll never feel the need to protect yourself or others from the possibility of rape ever again.
1. Don't rape people.
This can seem like a really tough task to take on -- some people can't go a week without sexually assaulting others. But if we all learn to respect each other's minds and bodies, we'll get the hang of it pretty quickly.
2. Don't allow others to rape people.
I know you want your friend to have fun at the party, but if you see them slip something into a drink, say something. If you let it slide, you're just as bad as the rapist.
3. Don't perpetuate the idea that sexual assault is funny/cool/manly/inevitable.
Because sexual assault is none of those things; sexual assault is dehumanizing, hurtful, and wrong. Rape jokes aren't funny; groping someone without their consent doesn't make you more masculine; sexual assault isn't something that should be expected. If you see people perpetrating rape culture, call them out. If you don't feel comfortable, talk to someone who can.
If you follow these three simple steps, one day we could live in a world where people don't have to be afraid to leave their drink alone, to walk in their neighborhood at night, to wear what they want to wear. The problem isn't the survivors; it's not about what they were doing, what they were wearing what they were drinking -- the one and only problem was the perpetrator. People shouldn't have to feel like they need to uphold a certain standard in order to NOT get sexually assaulted, and they shouldn't feel like it was their fault.
So the next time someone is sexually assaulted and you begin to question the survivor, ask yourself this question instead: Did the perpetrator follow these steps? If not, they were the problem. This could all have been avoided if they just hadn't assaulted the person; it's that simple!
