Trigger Warning for Sexual Abuse

Last Sunday, February 28^th, a popular award shows for movies broadcasted live nation wide. While the directors, actors, producers, writers and designers came together to celebrate the Oscars, it was one person who made an impact: Lady Gaga.

After already having a whirlwind month with performances at the Superbowl and Grammy’s, she found herself nominated for and performing her very personal song, “Til It Happens to You.” The song, written by her and Diane Warren, became popular after it was featured in the documentary The Hunting Ground. It examined sexual assault on college campuses, a thing that has become a hot topic as of late. The film presented many students who were assaulted, reported it to their respective school, but nothing came of it. It was either thrown out or seen as false accusations. The feature follows survivors around that attempt to get the justice they deserve. Many officials, along with family and friends of survivors, are interviewed and seen as downplaying the situations.The schools don’t want to be seen or have a reputation as a high sexual assault rape. Athletes as well get a pass, as they are able to bring money and fans to the games. It really provides an insight into the lack of justice when it comes to sexual assault cases.

On the stage of the Oscars, Lady Gaga’s vocals showed emotion and anger. She was quite into the performance, something that people made fun of later, but it was necessary. Survivors are constantly told things such as, “how much did you drink?” or “what were you wearing?” These questions into a very traumatic thing make someone ashamed causing many to not report. It becomes a question of, “maybe this was my fault,” when it wasn’t at all. The stigma has not yet disappeared.

The song highlights how someone who hasn’t experienced sexual assault and the people most likely to make comments questioning their behavior, don’t understand the feelings of a survivor and what they’ve been through. So many want to easily tip toe around the situation, but it’s not that simple. It’s a real thing; it’s traumatic and not a quickly resolved issue as it should be. It’s true when Gaga said, “cause until you’ve walked where I’ve walked, don’t talk.”

Toward the end, survivors came onstage with “survivor” and “you are worthy” written on their arms. As they stood in unity, you couldn’t help but feel emotional. Especially with this being one of the most horrific crimes that could happen. At the end, there was a standing ovation and not a dry tear in the house.

In a sense, it brings everyone together. Survivors and people who haven’t experienced come to try and stop the issue. On Twitter especially, there were many highlighting websites for resources and a pledge to help keep women and men safe from sexual assault, to help if you see someone in trouble. It’s very rare these days to see an issue that Americans unite for. Maybe Gaga’s platform brought this message to a new level. Maybe we’ll be able to stop letting it happen to people and be better, so no one else has to go through such trauma.