1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. Nearly 1 in 3 college women say that they have been in an abusive dating relationship. 

The statistics concerning domestic violence are frightening. Not many people talk about the dangers of domestic violence and many people do not know how to end this epidemic. Women on college campuses face this traumatic abuse on a daily basis. As students, we can help put an end to it.

I am a member of Alpha Chi Omega. As a sorority, we support the victims of domestic violence. We frequently volunteer at the YWCA and we raise money for the Knoxville Family Justice center. These organizations directly help and support women and families that have been victims of domestic violence. After personally volunteering with the women who live at the YWCA and are on the road to recovery, I have never felt more passionate about standing up to the rampant issue that surrounds us. I have become more aware that many people do not take domestic violence and rape seriously.

I constantly hear people joking about how women belong in the kitchen and I have been personally asked to make boys sandwiches, “because it’s my job as a woman.” These stereotypes are hurtful, especially because many women who have experienced some form of domestic violence have to hear these comments on a daily basis. 

Now that Ray Rice has been charged with knocking out his future wife, jokes concerning domestic violence have skyrocketed. Many people also throw around the word “rape.” I always hear someone complaining about how an exam just “raped” them. Rape is not a word that should be taken lightly.  Domestic violence is known as a silent crime. You cannot tell whether someone has been raped or emotionally or physically abused. By making these unnecessary jokes, you could really be hurting someone who has personally been victimized. Instead of cracking a joke about abuse, you should help end it.

College kids have the bad habit of blaming forceful acts on booze. You should not blame something like rape on alcohol. No matter what mindset you are in, rape is rape. Without an enthusiastic "yes" as consent, sex is not okay. College kids especially need to realize the increased dangers of rape and domestic violence when alcohol comes into the picture.

Get to know the statistics, and spread the word. If anything suspicious is going on, report it. Remember that Vols help Vols. Don’t let you or your friends drink too much, stick together, never put down your drink, and always watch out for yourself and your friends. Now is the time to start doing your part to end our silent epidemic. Remember, love shouldn't hurt.