Is sexual assault being properly represented and combated?
Is sexual assault being properly represented and combated?
What is sexual assault and how is it different from rape?
Sexual assault is an umbrella term to cover a multitude of different things. The act of sexual assault itself is any sexual contact or behavior that is directed towards someone without their explicit consent. Many forms of sexual assault include:
-Attempted rape
-Fondling or unwanted touching that occurs in a sexual manner
- Using force to get someone to perform sexual acts
-Any type of penetration; known as rape.
All rape is a form of sexual assault, but not all sexual assault is rape. Rape, as defined by the FBI, is "penetration of any form, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any part or object, or the oral penetration via sex organ by another person, without consent from the victim". Many people think of rape as just a penis penetrating a vagina without the consent of one party, but as stated above, it's much more complicated than that.
Facts and statistics about sexual assault.
- Did you know that on average, every 73 seconds, someone gets sexually assaulted in the United States? That number only counts the people assaulted that are 12 and older. Who knows how many people younger than 12 are being assaulted, and at what rate?
- People ages 12-34 are the most likely to be raped or assaulted, making up 69% of the total population of victims.
- 1 out of every 6 girls has been apart of either an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.
- 8 out of 10 times sexual assault is committed by someone the victim knows.
- An article from the Brennan Center for Justice says that over 80% of sexual assault goes unreported.
How is the media reporting sexual assault, and how is society reacting?
Today it seems the media only cares about high-profile women when it comes to sexual assault. The media is more than ready to point the finger at men who have abused women and help them stand up to their assailants. In past years many men in high social standing have been accused, outed, and sometimes even tried for their crimes. How many men can you think of who have been outed for their crimes? Bill Cosby, Donald Trump, Kevin Spacey, Brett Kavanaugh, Matt Lauer, and so many more! Now, how many victim's names can you think of? None, or maybe a few at most. I think that the media's current stance and climate are hindering the fight against sexual assault, and negatively impacting society's reactions to it. Not only does the media fail to represent the male population of assault victims, but it doesn't take a strong enough stance against abusers who have been proven to have assaulted women, and to change the climate around sexual assault.
I have no preconceived notions when it comes to sexual assault. As a teenaged girl myself, sexual assault has always been on my radar. I know not to walk alone at night, not to dress a certain way to avoid unwanted attention, and to always watch my drink. Even if I myself have never been assaulted, I will never be able to catch my breath. It angers me so much when people try to downplay sexual assault and victim blame. How is it anyone's fault but the perpetrators? How was it my friend's fault that she was assaulted while just waiting for me to finish a play audition?
Society today is getting better about rallying behind the victims and trying to end sexual abuse, but it's still not enough. Too many people would rather sweep this topic under the rug. Many places like colleges, sports teams, and politics cultivate some form of rape culture which is built upon supporting and protecting the abuser while ostracizing and blaming the victims. While not all men (or women) accused of rape are truly at fault, only about 2% of reported assault is false.
So what can we do?
While you may not think you can do much independently, there are many things that a single person is capable of that can help end sexual assault and rape.
- Educate yourself: Look up resources and articles about rape and assault. Figure out how you can help those who have been assaulted.--Donate: Spend either your money or time with advocacy groups focused on ending the assault.
-Speak up and out against abusers: If you know someone who has assaulted another person, tell someone! As long as we continue to hide these people, nothing will be done to stop them.
- Advocate and support victims: Let people know they have a support system in you, and stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves.
- Challenge the media and societal views: Fight back against the current culture of "Sweep it under the rug".
I know nothing will change in a day but I hope to see drastic improvements in society's attitude and actions towards sexual assault. My passion to fight is limitless, and hopefully, after seeing this blog, you'll want to fight too.Resources
If you're looking for ways you can help, information, or just some personal stories on sexual assault, here are some resources you might want to look into.- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Networks)
- Audrey and Daisy - A documentary about sexual assault, available on Netflix
- NSVRC (National sexual assault resource center)
- Rivers of Hope - A local Monticello domestic and family abuse prevention center
- Did you know that on average, every 73 seconds, someone gets sexually assaulted in the United States? That number only counts the people assaulted that are 12 and older. Who knows how many people younger than 12 are being assaulted, and at what rate?
- People ages 12-34 are the most likely to be raped or assaulted, making up 69% of the total population of victims.
- 1 out of every 6 girls has been apart of either an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.
- 8 out of 10 times sexual assault is committed by someone the victim knows.
- An article from the Brennan Center for Justice says that over 80% of sexual assault goes unreported.
- Educate yourself: Look up resources and articles about rape and assault. Figure out how you can help those who have been assaulted.
-
-Donate: Spend either your money or time with advocacy groups focused on ending the assault.
-Speak up and out against abusers: If you know someone who has assaulted another person, tell someone! As long as we continue to hide these people, nothing will be done to stop them.
- Advocate and support victims: Let people know they have a support system in you, and stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves.
- Challenge the media and societal views: Fight back against the current culture of "Sweep it under the rug".
I know nothing will change in a day but I hope to see drastic improvements in society's attitude and actions towards sexual assault. My passion to fight is limitless, and hopefully, after seeing this blog, you'll want to fight too.
Resources
If you're looking for ways you can help, information, or just some personal stories on sexual assault, here are some resources you might want to look into.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Networks)
- Audrey and Daisy - A documentary about sexual assault, available on Netflix
- NSVRC (National sexual assault resource center)
- Rivers of Hope - A local Monticello domestic and family abuse prevention center
Comments
Post a Comment