Trigger Warning: This article contains the topic of sexual assault.
The #MeToo movement has sparked controversy while bringing together a community of women who have experienced some kind of sexual misconduct, assault, or harassment. Although unfortunate, this community of women has spoken out and said enough is enough in the most simple, yet attention-getting way possible: sharing the words "me too" on social media.
The movement brings attention to the disgusting number of women who have had to endure something so horrifying that they should never have had to go through, myself included. Although I understand the origins of the movement, more needs to be done on college campuses and within law enforcement to stop these acts from occurring.
Something needs to be changed in the way law enforcement and college campuses deal with these traumatic cases. There have been strides in the right direction, which include victim advocacy programs, green dot certifications, and other resources that are given to victims, but it is not good enough. Otherwise, more women would choose to come forward.
In my personal experience, speaking about the incident was the hardest decision I had to make. My college campus had a tremendous amount of resources and provided me with the best options possible. However, it was still a nerve-wracking and terrifying experience that, frankly, should not need to happen at all.
That being said, what else can be done so women will not have to endure such traumatic experiences? College campuses and workplaces should have seminars at the beginning of every semester, hiring season, or as needed. I had the pleasure of attending a panel, called Embrace Your Voice, which was held at Florida State University this week.
The main focus of the panel was to get faculty, staff, and students to be more aware of sexual assault, its onset, its prevention, and its aftermath. The idea that education can be an all-powerful force with which we can combat sexual assault, is the key. The panelists discussed the importance of mandatory programming on the topic, which touches on spotting uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations and giving all people the tools to assess the situation and intervene. Think of how many victims could be saved from such trauma if all college campuses had mandatory programming such as this.
Additionally, the panelists discussed the importance of having open classrooms where professors are equipped to direct students to proper campus resources, but most of all, are approachable for their students and create a safe non-judgemental environment. Listening and learning are the tools which will make these essential conversations possible.
Also, the impact that sexual assault has on the college campus and greater community were addressed. This method of approaching sexual assault awareness encompasses the idea that everyone is responsible for protecting each other and preventing such terrible crimes. With that comes the #MeToo Movement. By engaging a community in a dialogue that spreads awareness, these women, who have been brave enough to share their words, have influenced the larger community and shed light on a national problem.
