Unfortunately, sexual assault is a huge problem in our society today, especially on college campuses. When something like this happens at a university, students turn to the “higher-ups” to handle the case and we expect them to treat it with high priority and take proper action to ensure the safety of those involved and all of their students. This is not how sexual assault cases are typically handled. When a victim is ready to make a case of their assault, they go through a formal conduct hearing process with their university’s Title IX official. Through this process, the school will decide whether the alleged assailant can be found responsible for the assault or not. This hearing can go either way. It is specific to each and every case, but it is not uncommon for the victim’s complaint to be unsuccessful. Cases of sexual assualt are usually handled so poorly because a lot of the time the victim engaged in underage drug or alcohol abuse. This creates a conflict of interest. Universities are often caught up in these legal details and overlook the actual assault. They get hooked up on debating legality of the underage drinking rather than the fact that consuming alcohol prevents someone from being able to give consent for ANY sexual act. Sexual assault cases are also not highly prioritized, which not only puts the victim at risk, but the entire university.
So how should sexual assault cases be handled at universities?
These cases should be handled with high importance and high sensitivity. Victim shaming is an epedemic nationwide. And universites should distance themselves from this mindset. It is all too easy to blame the victim and not believe them. But it is never their fault that they were attacked nor did they invite, deserve, or ask to be attacked. Evidence showing that consent was not given should be enough to find the assailant responsible for the assault. There should also be no reason for a student should have to wait months for a response to their plea. Something of this nature should be addressed immediately. When a victim reaches out, they should be heard, and assured that their safety is the university’s number one priority. They should not be left in silence. Universities boast that they promote safety and community on their campuses. It’s time that they practice what they preach.