College students should be able to feel comfortable on campus because this place essentially becomes their home – whether they live on it or not. Schools should do the best they can to accommodate for their student body and support them with whatever needs they may have outside of the classroom. Sexual assault panels are important because they can provide the support students need and apply the appropriate disciplinary actions on offenders.
Students may feel uneasy going to an assault panel. It can be difficult because you don’t want others to know, see or talk about it, but it’s important that it’s done. Having a safe place to voice out concerns or addressing what has happened can help students feel supported and cared about amongst a large body of students.
Talking to a sexual assault panel may help an individual be heard, but sometimes it can be intimidating and even off-putting. We live in a society where the excuse: “they/she/he asked for it” based on what item of clothing you have on, whom you hang out with, and what activities you do. No one deserves or asks for sexual assault, but it may be hard proving that to fellow classmates.
It also may be opening up about a situation with people you may not know or people you don’t want to know. Schools should have immediate counsel or crisis center for individuals who need support.
We also live in a society where many people believe we should “teach our boys not to rape” – we should be teaching all genders and sexual preference not to do so. Its important for schools, especially colleges, to spread awareness of sexual assault since more than 90% of incidents go unreported. They should promote safe and confidential places for students to report incidents and counsel services if needed.
Your voice is important and you shouldn’t feel afraid to speak up.