As some of you may know, about a month ago, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced that she is changing Title IX on college campuses. In short, Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sexual harassment and discrimination; it aims essentially to protect students and will investigate cases where such assaults have occurred. DeVos plans to withdraw campus sexual assault guidance implemented during Obama's presidency and most importantly, Title IX will take the rights of the accused into more consideration.
While this announcement has caused a national uproar, I want to take this opportunity to discuss the issue of sexual assault and what we can do, despite this unfortunate change in Title IX.
Just by looking at the statistics, it is reasonable to conclude that sexual assault is a prevalent and dominant problem in our society. The following information is just in America alone:
-Every 98 seconds, an American is assaulted.
-Only 6 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison.
-1 out of 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.
-1 out of 33 American men has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.
-94% of women who are raped experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
-Females are four times more likely to be a victim of sexual assault than males.
More often than not, victims do not report crimes to the authorities out of fear, guilt, or belief that nothing can be done to help them. Furthermore, those who have been sexually assaulted are more likely to suffer from depressive or suicidal thoughts and have damaged relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.
So ask yourself...What can I do to help?
Well, I've simplified it to two answers.
1.) Educate yourself. And then others.
2.) Don't be a bystander.
And I have the perfect solution where you can do both.
The "It's On Us" campaign.
Basically, this campaign is sponsored by previous Vice President, Joe Biden, in an effort to combat sexual assault on college campuses. After all, sexual violence is more common in college, compared to other crimes. Previous President Obama also joined the initiative.
According to their official website, "It's On Us to recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault.To identify situations in which sexual assault may occur. To intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given.To create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported."
Personally, I first heard about this life-changing campaign through my sorority, Sigma Psi Zeta. We are proudly partnered with the White House on this initiative. As a matter of fact, our philanthropy is to combat the violence against women and that includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault.
For SAAM last year, a few sisters across the nation and I worked together to create a PSA on this issue. Watch the video here. While this campaign is geared towards college campuses, its arms are open to everyone who needs help. Regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, and ethnicity, we are here for you. We will be your voice.
The chances are that you know at least one person who has been a victim of sexual assault. Perhaps even you have unfortunately experienced it yourself. But I promise that you are not alone.
Even though women make up a large portion of the victims than men, assault happens to everyone on a daily basis. Especially with the ongoing rape culture, it isn't going to get any better unless we become advocates and change agents. While it's true that sexual violence has fallen 63% since 1993, it still persists to be a problem in our society. Instead of teaching people to "don't get raped," it's time to start teaching, "don't rape."
Consent is necessary.
It must be understood that sexual assault is an extreme violation of human rights.
Many people argue that a woman is someone's daughter, sister, or girlfriend, and thus she should be respected, which is true...but most importantly, we need to remember that she simply is someone. Someone who is entitled to respect and dignity.
She is someone who doesn't deserve to be taken advantaged of, humiliated, and traumatized.
We can do better than that. It is actively our duty as a collective society to shatter the silence.
Join me and take a stance. It's On Us to put an end to sexual assault.
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You can find out more information and take the pledge here.
