As you may or may not know, April is sexual assault awareness month . Sexual assault includes any sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. While these crimes can occur in a number of places, college campuses are basically a breeding ground for this type of misconduct.
The sexual assaults that take place in or around college campuses have been receiving more press in the last few years, and with good reason. According to current statistics, nearly one in four women and one in seventeen men will be sexually assaulted in college. Also, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center ( NSVRC ) reports that almost 90 percent of these assaults remain unreported. To complicate matter further, those who do seek help often delay in making an official report, which problematizes the process.
But we shouldn’t need statistics to tell us what we already know. Chances are you know a handful people who have experienced sexual violence, whether you know about it or not. And chances are, if your friend has decided to report it, they’ve had a rough time dealing with collegiate administration and the emotional and mental turmoil that ensues. Reporting systems are often fragmented and unclear, leaving many people wary to report their perpetrator. According to a recent survey, some victims cite that their school’s insensitive handling practices included inappropriate questioning and being required or asked to sit through mediation near the person being accused. Emotional turmoil is further compounded through the reporting process. There are many instances recorded where the discipline for the alleged perpetrators was light to nonexistent, meaning that students who are victimized by other students are frequently left with mental, financial and physical burdens while those responsible for their pains walk away.
*Side note: This isn't a new topic of discussion, just take a look at this Jon Stewart segment from 2014 .
But sexual violence is not just a college issue; is a public health, human rights and social justice issue. Spreading awareness about rape and sexual violence is crucial in order to increase the public’s understanding of how it can be prevented and what can be done to ensure that justice is met. The NSVRC even provides examples of programs and services to meet these goals. Their prevention tactics lie in fostering open and factual conversations, educating about healthy relationships and informing bystanders about their role.
While many college students have attended a sexual assault prevention course, or clicked through the online module that the college requires you complete before attending each year, it’s clear that more needs to be done. Sexual assault can happen anywhere, but college campuses seem to be a locus for sexual violence. However, college campuses can also be a center for activism and sustainable societal change. It’s not only the duty of individuals, but also of the community to prevent sexual violence before harm occurs. Visit the sites below to learn more about sexual assault awareness month, projects and resources.
