Of course the statistics of these events aren’t 100% accurate because a lot of sexual assault goes undetected for various reasons. Some women feel embarrassed, ashamed, too emotionally traumatized to talk about it, and that “it wasn’t a big enough deal.” Many girls are also afraid of the popular “blame the victim” mentality that a lot of people have stuck in their heads these days. Let me make something clear: wearing skimpy clothes does not mean you are asking for anything.
After concluding the findings of female college seniors, a higher 26% statistic was found for the amount of women who reported to being the victim of sexual assault during their four years at their university. Over a quarter of female college students studied have been sexually assaulted by men. A bone chilling statistic, however, a number doesn’t always open your eyes to the real problems of the world. Each of those women had their own stories as to what they went through, the ridicule they received for standing up for themselves, and the guys who most likely got away with it without consequence.
There is no excuse for sexually assaulting another person. No consent means no sex. It doesn’t matter if she was drunk and you thought she “probably wanted it,” that’s still not consent. Her clothing, or lack thereof, is not an open invitation to her body. Just because you’ve had sex before doesn’t give you permission to do it again against her will.
So let’s start raising awareness right now. Reach out to the women, or men, in your life who have struggled with being held victim to sexual assault and lend them a source of support. They need it. Reach out to your college and see what you can do to start spreading awareness of this rising epidemic amongst college campuses. These people need a voice and you have the power to be it.
