In relation to "The Hunting Ground," a new documentary about sexual assault on college campuses, Lady Gaga has released a powerful music video called "Til It Happens To You." It features three separate stories on sexual assault in graphic detail, all of which are emotionally unsettling to viewers. Between the raw and truthful visuals, various levels to the lyrics and emotional vocals from Gaga, the video sends a clear message about "the reality of what is happening daily on college campuses."

A courageous rape victim herself, Lady Gaga is the perfect artist to have recorded and co-written this song. She offers not only her vocal abilities, but insight into the horrifying experience of sexual assault and how to overcome it. Gaga is one of the many victims told "it gets better...you'll be fine," but she sings "How the hell could you know?" and "till you're standing in my shoes...you won't know how I feel." The song expresses that something as somber as this needs to be experienced in order to be understood. Corresponding to that, the broader message of the song and documentary is about spreading awareness and substantially diminishing the number of sexual assault cases on college campuses.

In my opinion, this video could not have come at a better time considering how many people pretend like these disgusting acts aren't occurring on college campuses across the nation. Let's look at the facts: if nothing changes, 1 in college 5 women will be sexually assaulted this year. Even more alarming is the fact that over 90 percent of all sexual assaults on college campuses go unreported. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), two out of every three of the assaults are committed by someone already known by the victim. With statistics like these, everyone, especially college students, needs to be aware of this harsh reality and join the movement.

This gut-wrenching video was hard to watch not only because of the graphic details, but the fact that it is such a wake up call about the reality of sexual assault. If nothing else, it should spark a change and raise awareness about this widely-spread, grave issue. Sexual assault on college campuses is happening around us, and I can almost guarantee we all know someone effected by this, even if they can't admit it yet. This call for action should have everyone attempting to prevent sexual assault and helping the survivors of it.

A portion of the money earned from the song's sales will be donated to organizations helping survivors of sexual assault. If you or anyone you know has been sexually assaulted, or for any additional help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Check out the video here: