Campus sexual assault is, unfortunately, something that is discussed more and more frequently because, frankly, it needs to be discussed. It is very prevalent in our society – according to statistics, around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men in the United States will be sexually assaulted while in college. Such a high number of people being unsafe is certainly hard to palate. For all these reasons, starting an organization on campus to educate, advocate, and ensure victims have a voice, is an excellent idea.
How To Start a Movement on Campus and Help Survivors
If you want to start an organization on campus, there are many options for how you can advocate. You could promote literature such as that of End Rape on Campus (EROC). Your activism should ensure that potential victims know their Title IX rights. The Obama Administration expanded Title IX to cover sexual assault, so if someone has been assaulted, they should talk to their university’s Title IX coordinators about what happened. Title IX attempts to keep schools responsible for handling things poorly. The most important factor in preventing sexual assault is educating people about what can and does happen. Knowledge is a strength. Consider hosting an event. For instance, branch members of the American Association of College Women can receive up to $750 to hold events which discuss sexual assault. Students need to be aware of what to look out for and when to intervene if they can.
Sadly, many victims won’t report unwanted sexual contact. According to a massive study of students from over 27 universities, many young women were embarrassed or wouldn’t report being raped because they felt it wasn’t “serious enough.” Obviously, educating people and letting everyone know that they don’t have to do anything they don’t want to is crucial. The voices of victims need to be heard, and their rights need to be advocated. Hopefully, thanks in part to your efforts, more people will realize how serious of a problem campus sexual assault truly is.