Reading about sexual assault in the news is almost a daily occurrence. It happens so frequently that people have become desensitized to this concept and its consequences. According to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds, but only six out of every 1,000 perpetrators actually end up imprisoned. Moreover, many cases go by unreported, so the numbers are possibly much higher.
April, being National Sexual Assault Awareness month, needs to serve as a reminder of how serious the issue actually is. It shouldn’t stop at just being a reminder — these incidents must be reported and taken seriously.
A few years ago, a guest columnist narrated an experience in which they called the police after being sexually and physically assaulted. They stated they were thankful for not going through the WolfAlert since they were afraid that it would result in name-calling from those who didn’t believe them. Fears like this would certainly make survivors feel hesitant about opening up, so it’s very important for the student body to collectively support and affirm the feelings of those who come forward.
NC State observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month every year, and there are several events and workshops in store for the coming weeks to raise support for survivors on campus. Take Back the Night is an event in which students march to reclaim the night and our campus for survivors of sexual assault. It will be held on the Stafford Commons in front of Talley Student Union at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
As women, we’re told not to talk to strangers or stay out too late at night or drink too much. Though it’s not unwise to be cautious, sexual assault is never, ever the victim’s fault. Additionally, many times, caution goes out the window because the victim knows the perpetrator personally. Last year, there were three reports of sexual assault on campus that occurred at a party at Wolf Village apartments — and all three female students knew the male students who assaulted them.
These students were very brave for stepping up and telling someone, but that doesn’t always occur. I understand that it’s scary to recount a traumatic incident. At that instant, the easiest way out can be to forget that it ever happened and go along with your life.
According to Time, many survivors on college campuses fail to report their assaults to the cops because they are afraid of not being believed. Some even blame themselves for being too naive and not putting up a fight. As I said earlier, it’s extremely important for the victim to remember that they are never at fault in a situation like this.
There could be times when the entire episode falls in a gray area. Maybe the victim could have a hard time deciding if what happened to them was indeed assault, or if they’re merely overreacting.
Although the official process of reporting the crime can be emotionally taxing on the victim and, in some cases, doesn’t guarantee them justice, it’s a good idea to, at the very least, confide in someone you trust. Likewise, as supporters of survivors, we should be showing compassion and emotional validation when someone decides to voice something that is clearly difficult to talk about.
Women aren’t the only victims of sexual harassment. One out of every 10 rape victims is male, and this statistic is often forgotten. The Women’s Center and the Counseling Center on campus will be holding a screening of a documentary by Dr. David Lasik at 5 p.m. on April 19 to support male survivors of assault, most of whom either delay disclosing or never disclose their assault.
Last October, the #MeToo movement blew up on social media around the world in retaliation to American film producer Harvey Weinstein’s acts of sexual misconduct against several women in the workplace. It was originally started 10 years ago by activist Tarana Burke to help survivors of sexual misconduct reassure each other that they weren’t alone and that their feelings were acknowledged. Though many survivors took part in the cause by admitting they were sexually harassed, this movement seems to be fading, and we need to make sure its ability to make an impact does not disappear.
Movements and protests like these will certainly help raise awareness, as they have done, but it is only speaking up and reporting these incidents that will take you a step in the direction of justice. It is equally necessary to empathize with survivors, and even guide them to resources such as support groups and counselors.
