Speaking up about sexual assault
Breaking the taboo and supporting survivors
Maria Simpson / Opinion Editor / The USD Vista
Every year we raise awareness for different groups and causes throughout the months, such as Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March. These causes are proudly celebrated by many and imperative educational messages are spread. Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) has occurred every April since 2001. Though SAAM has just begun, there is no special Snapchat filter, no heart warming messages online, and no annual discussion in school like we see with other issues that have whole months dedicated to raising awareness.
Sexual assault and sexual violence are seen as taboo topics. No one wants to discuss the reality of this horrific act. Rape culture has been so widely accepted as the way things are for so long that it has become incredibly difficult to break the cycle of objectifying people and ignoring their lack of consent. Not to mention, it has been painted as an inappropriate topic because it involves sex. Victims are made to feel disgusting for participating and the “solution” many people preach is abstinence. But, sexual assault this is not an interaction that is asked for. It is an attack on an individual’s body and mind. The stigma around these issues poses a threat to all survivors as it only makes the problem worse. Everyone should be able to have conversations about sexual assault, receive proper education, and do their part to tear down the culture we have built that accepts this degradation of individuals.
The culture we live in has created a disgusting tolerance for sexual assault. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Women, especially young women, experience sexual assault at incredibly high rates. One out of every six women has been a victim of rape. 90% of adult victims of rape are female. However, this horrifying issue goes beyond just women. Men between the ages of 18 and 24 who are college students are five times more likely to become a victim of sexual assault than a man of the same age who is not in school. 21% of transgender or gender non-comforming college students are sexually assaulted. Victims are at a higher risk of long term effects such as substance abuse, mental health issues, and sexually transmitted diseases.
The stats go on and on, each more crushing and revolting than the last. Each statistic, each number represents a real human being whose bodily autonomy was taken away from them. These numbers could easily represent your friends, your classmates, and your family. Right now, our society is turning a blind eye to the true terror of these crimes, despite the clear evidence that it is hurting countless people. Rape culture and the acceptance of sexual violence needs to be dismantled.
The way sexual assault is talked about makes it very difficult to dismantle rape culture and create a safer society for everyone. Victim blaming, lack of support for survivors, and a poor overall understanding of consent continue to allow hideous actions of sexual assault to continue. Whenever someone comes forward about sexual assault or rape, one of the most commonly asked questions is “What were you wearing?” Questions like this are searching for things that the victim supposedly did wrong that caused the attack to happen. This ideology is infuriating and incredibly hurtful. Imagine mustering up the courage to speak up about such a despicable act done to you, and everyone comes to the conclusion that it was your fault. With this blame placed on victims it is no wonder that people are scared to some forward and this horrendous cycle remains in place.
Better support needs to be given to survivors, and oftentimes, that doesn’t mean forcing them to call the police or press charges in any way. Many people have a lot of valid fears about coming forward, and the support they need could be counseling or even just a listening ear and a trustworthy friend to provide comfort.
Consent is a central part of preventing the cycle of sexual assault from living on, but few people are taught what consent truly means. The phrase “no means no” is about as much as high school sex-ed gives us, which in itself is a harmful practice. Consent should only ever be an enthusiastic yes. Silence, uncertainty, unconsciousness, and actions under the influence do not fall under that guideline. We also are never taught that consent can be revoked at any time. If schools taught students this then younger generations would not only be equipped to stand with survivors, they would grow with a fuller understanding of how consent should work, pushing against the mentality that allows rapists and other perpetrators to flourish in the first place.
Sexual assault awareness is a topic that is often pushed out of sight. People put stigma on it that allows the toxic culture to remain and attacks continue to occur.
We need to start conversations about sexual assault so that victims can feel safe and we can shut down the ideas that allow rapists to exist so easily in our society.
This is not a “women only’’ problem. It is not a “survivor only” problem. This is an issue that has the potential to affect every one of us, especially as college students. It is also a problem that requires everyone’s help to make a difference.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to start. Seek education and conversation. Stand with survivors and condemn rapists. Let’s band together to tear down centuries of toleration for sexual assault and create a safer world for everyone.
If you are a victim of sexual assault and want to seek support, USD’s Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE) offers 24/7 services and different paths of support that best help each individual.