Imagine this: you have a few too many drinks at party and wake up in a foreign place with no idea what may have happened to you, the night before erased from memory and you can hear the echoes of “ maybe you shouldn’t have worn that skirt,” and “why did you drink so much?” flying through your throbbing head. A scenario all too real for hundreds of college students a year, the occurrence of rape on university campuses has become startlingly common- and acceptable.

Story after story on the news involving sexual abuse on college properties, often ends in the perpetrator landing a lighter sentence, because they “don’t deserve losing their shot at an education.” Following these decisions, the victims will often feel forced to leave, in order to avoid seeing their rapist on campus bringing about excruciating memories. The one who really misses out on their shot, is the victim. They are shut down and sometimes even shamed for fighting for justice for such a “minor offense.” Indicted on 5 counts in 2015, Stanford swimmer Brock Turner was given a mere 6 months, rather than a possible, and justified, 14 years following the aggravated sexual assault on an unconscious young woman. A letter written by his father after the trial exemplifies all that is wrong with not just the judicial system, but the way society places blame in cases of sexual assault. He details the lackluster personality he feels his son has developed and how harsh the retribution was for his sons “20 minutes of action.” Aside from the sickening depiction of the incident, in just one short letter he was able to completely invalidate the account and feelings of the victim, who has already had to overcome countless hurdles.

Unfortunately, this is only one of many cases every year in the United States where the judge and or jury come to a verdict entirely in favor of the rapist. It creates a stigma that the victim is using the other person as a scapegoat to avoid facing the outcome of their actions. The reality is, it happens regularly to people whom are in no way incapacitated, they’re scholars, they’re students, whether they’re dressed in a winter jacket or their gym clothes, it happens. Regardless of sexual orientation, religious views or relationship status, it happens.

On the other hand, the thousands of people willing to speak out against the injustices are the promising silver lining.

Columbia University senior Emma Sulkowicz made a bold statement with her senior thesis, “Carry that Weight” by carrying her mattress everywhere with her following being sexually assaulted to show the figurative weight victims bear for an eternity after their maltreatment. When fellow students saw her walking to class or lunch, they would approach her and help her carry it, taking on some of the weight. It speaks to the sense of community that formed after she became so determined to change the universities view on assault. Despite the fact that what has already happened to countless students cannot be reversed, what can be changed is the way schools and law enforcement approach and handle rape cases. It cannot end with a slap on the wrist and an apology. Challenge administrators, supervisors, executives; there is no valid defense or excuse for rape, ever. Stand by victims, their stories, feelings and above all, do not rest.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault please contact your local authorities or RAINN at https://centers.rainn.org/ to receive help.