Sexual Assault Is Not To Be Taken Lightly
Start writing a post

Content Warning: sexual assault

On June 20, 2020, two women accused Justin Bieber of sexual assault via Twitter. Justin Bieber denies these allegations. Bieber's lawyers state the accusations against him are 'factually impossible,' and disproven both by indisputable documentary evidence. As a result, Bieber is filing a $20 Million defamation suit against the two women who accused him of sexual assault.

With the rise of the 'me too.' Movement, more survivors are coming out and disclosing their sexual violence experiences. They are brave: sharing their stories is not easy. When one tells a story, they're essentially reliving that experience. Let people disclose their experiences at their own pace. Do not (I REPEAT DO NOT) ever participate in victim-blaming. Every experience is unique so it should not be devalued. Victim-blaming discourages people from sharing their stories and can cause them to question their self-worth. The last thing I wanted to hear "I don't understand. Why did you let that happen, though?"

Although the movement's intention is to foster a community for all sexual violence survivors to not feel alone, there are people out there who abuse the power of this movement by making false claims of sexual assault.

According to People, Justin Bieber highlights "every claim of sexual abuse should be taken very seriously and this is why my response was needed. However, this story is factually impossible and that is why I will be working with twitter and authorities to take legal action."

It is unfortunate that not everyone understands the consequences of making false claims of sexual abuse. I personally have male friends who have been falsely accused of sexual assault and it negatively impacted them. Their reputations were damaged because of this false accusation. Sexual assault is a sensitive topic. There is no concrete experience of sexual assault: the definition of sexual violence varies on the individual. A common theme in these situations is feeling violated. If one is pressured to participate in unwanted sexual activity, then that is sexual assault.

Hook-Up Culture is more common today versus back then. Thanks to contraceptives, it's easier for people to participate in sexual activity. With that being said, we need to normalize asking for consent. I don't care if asking consent "ruins the moment." It is essential to constantly communicate during sexual activity for it can be a vulnerable and intimate moment.

Being sexually assaulted is not a trend. The effects of enduring this traumatic experience are real. To this day, I get nauseous thinking about all the times I have been violated and have occasional panic attacks.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. #METOO

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit online.rainn.org.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54076
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34803
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957179
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

182215
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments