Sexual violence is not just a woman’s problem. Nor is it something that happens to someone else, somewhere else. Sexual Violence happens everywhere, every day, every minute to people of all ages. Family and friends of the victim are also affected. We are all affected.
For decades, students have been trying to raise awareness about a quiet violence on their campuses. But in the last year, the issue of sexual assault at America’s colleges has leapt from yellowing leaflets in campus women’s centers to the covers of the nation’s most influential magazines. The White House launched a task force. Senators inked bills. College administrators were brought to their knees.
Sexual violence is a significant problem on college campuses across the nation, where most victims are acquainted with their assailants. The effects of crimes such as rape and sexual assault on these student victims can be devastating, creating emotional, trauma-related difficulties and, consequently, disrupting or ending their academic careers.
Erin Farley is a Graduate Assistant for the Center for Women Students at Penn State. Farley coordinates two peer education groups that present on sexual assault and bystander intervention. “When I do presentations I usually focus on trends and definitions as opposed to stats. I have found that a lot of people struggle to understand consent, especially that someone who is incapacitated due to alcohol or other drugs cannot give consent. We also talk a lot about bystander intervention and that preventing sexual assault has to be a community issue.”
“One big misconception is that it is bad when you hear about a lot of sexual assaults being reported at a university. People often think there is an increase in crime happening. However, an increase in reports can actually be a good thing. Since we know sexual assaults often go unreported, it may actually mean that more people feel comfortable coming forward.”
Little has been resolved; the subject is so fraught and the stakes are so high. But awareness itself has done powerful work. Sexual assault reports at America’s top colleges jumped 61 percent in the last two years, and more victims are coming out of the shadows and slamming their colleges with federal complaints.
As you have probably read, sexual assault is a very under-reported crime and a lot of times people who experience sexual violence do not say they have been sexually assaulted–especially since the majority of sexual assaults on college campuses involve alcohol and victims/survivors often blame themselves. Shockingly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped in their lifetime.
Fortunately, a lot is being done in terms of educating the public. Many schools including the University at Albany have peer groups like Middle Earth and prevention programs that reach out to students or have options were students can reach out to them for emotional support. Farley explained that during these programs, the leaders do not blame or attack men. Instead they encourage them to start making a difference.
“In fact as (fraternity, Athletes, ROTC, etc.) men we are here to talk to you about your role as leaders on this campus. As leaders, other students look to you as an example of good character, someone to turn to in need, and someone who is a role model. It is because of your affiliation with this group that we come to you with the hope that you will take this message on and be leaders in your communities in the fight against sexual assault.”
Sexual assault and harassment impact people of various genders, but women are disproportionately targeted. Taking the time to question conventional meanings of manhood and masculinity could make all the difference between moving from a culture that excuses rape to one that demands consent.
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