Every one hundred and seven seconds, yet another American is sexually assaulted, concluding that nearly 293,000 people are victims of assault every year. 68% of people will not report a sexual assault to the police and a shocking ninety percent of rapists will never spend a day in jail.
In today’s society, sexual assault has become one of the biggest issues on college campuses. You own your body and nobody has the right to lay a finger on you without your permission. No matter how drunk someone may be, the word “no means no” and the word “yes means yes.” It’s that simple. As college students, we tend to not realize how many sexual assaults take place in the college community. Studies show that nearly 23% of women have come forward stating they have been sexually assaulted in college, but I assure you that percentage is sure to skyrocket.
Not only are students’ not reporting sexual assaults because they feel ashamed, but schools are also not taking proper action if or when an assault is reported. As of last spring, over one hundred schools were put under Federal Investigation for mishandling sexual assault cases. Mishandling? How does a university mishandle a sexual assault case? Simply by not reporting it. You’ll be surprised by how many schools not only make the victim feel as if the sexual assault was their fault, but also don’t report it to save their “star athlete’s” career.
If you have ever been the victim of sexual assault, especially on a college campus, voice it. Don’t feel embarrassed for someone’s disgusting decision. Don’t feel as if you’re at fault for being drunk. Don’t feel as if you led them on. Don't think nobody will believe you. Don't let anyone tell you differently. You are the victim and you deserve justice.
