At one point or another, you’ve experienced it. You’ve seen it. You’ve heard of it. It’s become so normalized that sometimes we even EXPECT it. Sexual assault is a major issue our society is facing and every day we fail to acknowledge it. When speaking about sexual assault, it is any type of sexual activity that you do not consent to (“1 In 3 American Women” 2018). This can be as basic as touching someone inappropriately or as extreme as rape. In my opinion, I believe that sexual assaulters are under the impression that simply touching a person is OK, when in reality it is not. Grabbing someone or touching someone without consent, such as grabbing a woman’s butt or reaching for a man’s genital area to flatter yourself or them is in no means appropriate. I think that a lot of people see this in a way as “making a move” when it is sexual assault.
In regards to college, 20% – 25% of college women and 15% of college men are victims of forced sex during their time in college and nearly two thirds of college students experience sexual assault (“Get Statistics”). If this may not see like a huge number to you, keep in mind that more than 90% of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report the assault (“Get Statistics”). That means more than 90% of sexual assault victims are living and dealing with their assault experience. While it seems like a popular response to this is “Why would someone not report it right away” or “They waited this long to say something?”, people fail to realize that when some people are sexually assaulted, they are in total shock and don’t want talk about the incident right away. Throughout my high school and college experience, I have come across friends who have been sexually assaulted and who have not mentioned or told anyone right away, or ever. It is extremely difficult to come to terms with what has happened and even harder to realize that what happened, actually happened. Along with this, current events are a huge problematic issue regarding sexual assault. Seeing victims on the news silenced and ignored increases the difficulty to report or talk about your sexual assault experience. It is even harder watching the abusers and rapists get little to no punishment, such as Brock Turner or the recent case about Brett Kavanaugh. Cases like these belittle sexual assault victims and do not give them the justice they deserve. I think the worst part about sexual assault is that the victims have to suffer with the mental effects of being sexually assaulted, while the majority of the abusers continue to live their lives, failing to see their consequences. It is disgusting and sad that this continues to happen every day, possibly even right now.
Although this issue will never truly end, I feel that our generation is beginning to bring light on sexual assault and working to bring righteousness towards the issue that will hopefully one day be diminished. Our generation is bringing awareness to outlining factors such as teaching victims that they are not the issue, and that what they said/wore/drank was not the reason or did not enhance the possibility of sexual assault. For those who are reading this and are victims of sexual assault, know that you are not silenced and that you can reach out to anyone whenever you are ready. If you feel more comfortable talking about it with someone who does not know you, call the sexual assault hotline 1-800-656-4673. I strongly believe sexual assault will be diminished and will no longer be a normalized issue in our society, and now we must come together as a whole to take action.
Works Cited
“1 In 3 American Women Has Experienced Some Type of Sexual Violence.” Womenshealth.gov, 13 Sept. 2018, www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/sexual-assault-and-rape/sexual-assault.
“Get Statistics.” Sexual Assault Statistics | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), www.nsvrc.org/statistics.