Rape across college campuses is prominent but also frequently swept under the rug. When students are brave enough to speak out about being assaulted, they are often met with questioning glances, doubtful remarks, and attempts to poke holes in their stories. It is hard to deny that rape on campus is a problem when one in 5 women are sexually assaulted while in college. Despite the alarming statistics that exist, many people still refuse to believe that this is a wide-spread issue that deserves more recognition and acknowledgment. We need to do more when it comes to prevention methods and educating the public about what rape is. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of what constitutes rape and/or sexual assault. Even though it may seem like a universal consensus, this is not the case. Many have not been properly educated on consent and what actual consensual sex means. When prestigious ivy-league schools such as Stanford and Harvard are not taking rape accusations seriously, they are further silencing and shaming victims instead of holding rapists accountable. Educational institutions are not reacting to these occurrences as they should be in an attempt to maintain their reputation, but a university's reputation should never come before a student's safety and demanding justice for that individual. So, what can we to do to take action?

1. Offer mandatory courses that teach students about consent, what consensual sex actually means, and healthy sexual experiences.

2. Show support for victims of rape and sexual assault.

3. Provide students with resources on campus.

4. Encourage staff and faculty members to get involved and lead important conversations.

5. Hold perpetrators accountable rather than questioning the victim's credibility.

We are all responsible for taking part in trying to prevent campus rape. There are so many ways to get involved and there are so many resources available for those who may be struggling.