Sexual Assault on College Campuses: an Urgent Call for Action

Sexual assault on college campuses is a pervasive issue that has been escalating for quite some time. For decades, it has been reported as one of the most common crimes within college environments. Recently, social movements like MeToo have provided a platform for survivors to share their experiences and spread awareness, reaching a vast audience across various social media platforms. Despite this increased visibility, many assaults remain unreported, leaving perpetrators unpunished and survivors without justice. This essay explores the complexities of sexual assault on college campuses, examining the systemic failures in addressing this issue and emphasizing the urgent need for societal and institutional change.

Personal Testimony: A Reflection on Trauma and Silence

On a Friday evening in September 2017, I visited a friend in Los Angeles. After a pleasant dinner, we initially planned to stay in her dorm and relax but decided last minute to attend a party with her roommate. What seemed like a harmless college gathering turned into a life-altering event. I met a boy who appeared charming and kind, and we engaged in deep conversation. However, as the night progressed, his demeanor changed drastically. I found myself isolated from my friends, pinned down, and despite my repeated refusals, I was sexually assaulted. This experience forever altered my perception of men and highlighted the fear many survivors harbor about not being taken seriously. The stigma surrounding sexual assault often forces survivors into silence, yet it is a social issue that demands urgent attention and action.

A Culture of Victim Blaming and Gender Inequality

While the majority of sexual assaults are perpetrated by men, societal narratives often place undue blame on women. Victims are scrutinized for their behavior, attire, and reactions, while male perpetrators frequently face minimal consequences. This reflects a deeply ingrained misogyny where women's appearances are unfairly scrutinized, especially in sexual assault cases. Men accused of such crimes may resort to victim-blaming, citing a woman's attractiveness or clothing as justification for their actions. This perpetuates harmful stereotypes and detracts from the real issue: the violation of consent. It is crucial to emphasize that no matter what a person wears or how they behave, they do not invite or deserve assault.

Challenges in Reporting and Defining Sexual Assault

A significant barrier to addressing sexual assault is the reluctance of victims to report their experiences. Many factors contribute to this hesitancy, such as confusion over what constitutes assault and fear of not being believed. Before my assault, I associated sexual assault primarily with rape, unaware of its broader definitions. Through conversations with friends, family, counselors, and authorities, I learned that sexual assault encompasses any nonconsensual sexual act. This lack of a universally accepted definition complicates reporting and legal proceedings, leaving many survivors without clarity or closure.

Systemic Failures in the Justice System

The justice system's inconsistencies exacerbate the issue of sexual assault on college campuses. Currently, there is no mandatory minimum sentence for sexual assault or rape at the federal level, and even when states implement such laws, disparities persist. The case of Brock Turner, a Stanford student convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, illustrates this issue. Despite clear evidence of guilt, Turner received a mere six-month sentence, of which he served only three months, due to the judge's concern for his future. Conversely, Cory Batey, an African American football player from Vanderbilt, was sentenced to 15-25 years for a similar crime. This stark disparity highlights the racial inequality and privilege that influence sentencing, further undermining trust in the justice system.

The Path Forward: Addressing Inequality and Injustice

Sexual assault is a deeply rooted social issue that continues to affect countless college students. Despite progress in gender equality, significant challenges remain, as evidenced by the language of foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence, which fails to acknowledge women. While strides have been made in voting rights and reproductive access, sexism and gender inequality persist, influencing how sexual assault cases are perceived and handled. To combat these injustices, it is imperative to educate communities, reform legal processes, and foster environments where survivors feel safe and supported in coming forward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sexual assault on college campuses is a multifaceted issue that requires immediate and sustained attention. By addressing cultural norms that perpetuate victim-blaming, clarifying the definition of sexual assault, and advocating for equitable legal practices, we can work towards a safer and more just society. It is essential for individuals, institutions, and policymakers to commit to change, ensuring that survivors are heard, respected, and given the justice they deserve. Only through collective action can we hope to eradicate the scourge of sexual assault from our college campuses and beyond.

Did you like this example?

282

12