We live in a world where when someone says “I was sexually assaulted,” the response varies from, “Were you drinking? What were you wearing? Was it at a party?” My response to this is, why does it matter. None of these factors come into play when dealing with something as serious and horrific as this. Being sexually assaulted rips away the most intimate part of a person's life and who they are as a person. It is not like a scratch that heals in a week, it is something that will be instilled in you for the rest of your life.
Netflix came out with a new series based on a popular book written by Jay Asher. "13 Reasons Why" is a story that perfectly describes a situation that has happened to many girls out there. Too many girls are scared to come forwards due to the fact that it is not always believed by others. But, what if we believed the victim? What if we gave them the comfort and support they need to cope with to get by in life. Notice I said get by because sometimes that is all they can do. But, if we believed the victim maybe they would not have to just get by in life because they would have a supportive group around them. In "13 Reasons Why", Hannah commits suicide because of many events but most of them dealing with sexual assault. She is constantly called a slut for the rumors that are spread and witnesses a rape, and then she is raped. This all leads to her suicide. But, let's think if the counselor actually believed her rape. He told her to get over it since the assaulter was graduating next year. If he would have believed her she would have not killed herself.
We all need to raise more awareness to sexual assault. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, “one in every five women will get raped and one in every seventy-one men will be raped in their lifetime.” This number is not shocking being a women, but it should be. This means that out of five of your closest friends including you, will be raped in your lifetime. This is not to be negative, this is to raise awareness. The NSVRC also states, “91% of sexual assault victims are women and 9% are men.” So, what would happen if we believed the victim instead of shaming them for what they had no control over.
It does not matter what the victim was wearing, drinking, and/or doing they are the victim. It does not matter how later the victim was out or if they were unconscious, they are the victim. So, I dare you to believe the victim. I dare you to actually give them the comfort they need when someone just took the most intimate part of them and ripped it away from them. Because, if we all started to believe the victims maybe just maybe we could get justice for this horrible act of sexual assault.
If you need support do not hesitate to reach out. You are not alone.
National Sexual Assault Hotline. Free. Confidential. 24/7.
