College Drinking and Sexual Violence
Binge drinking and poor “sexual decisions” seem to go hand in hand and are almost what is considered an epidemic that’s sweeping the younger majority of our population. With college culture it is important to understand and realize the many negative outcomes of these decisions and be educated on the issues at hand. Sexual assault under the influence of alcohol, whether it be attacker or victim, is unfortunately a ramification. Many young women are affected and remain silent about their experiences, afraid of consequential occurrences. It is important for these women to stick together and inform others of the possible repercussions of drinking. A little too much can result in reckless behavior. The Stanford rape case is a prime example of this outcome. The victim of this case makes sure her assaulter hears …show more content…
Is it a factor? Yes. But alcohol was not the one who stripped me, fingered me, had my head dragging against the ground, with me almost fully naked” (Baker). The young woman we will call Emily Doe, as she is known by her local newspapers, was severely affected. Now a statistic, her voice will still be heard. Having written a letter, she read it aloud to her attacker making it clear to him the damage and pain he caused her. It was a small feat though for her attacker only served 6 months in jail and 3 years’ probation. Back into their community he was welcomed with a slap on the wrist. The judge had feared the original sentence of 14 years would “have a severe impact on him.” But, alas, he is still a sexual offender with a title that will haunt him for life, and for good reason. Drinking was not solely the problem but it was definitely a major factor in the Stanford rape case. A dark situation could have been easily avoided with a solid foundation of respect for a woman and her body, no matter the circumstances. But what is really going on out there with college binge drinking and decision
Binge drinking and poor “sexual decisions” seem to go hand in hand and are almost what is considered an epidemic that’s sweeping the younger majority of our population. With college culture it is important to understand and realize the many negative outcomes of these decisions and be educated on the issues at hand. Sexual assault under the influence of alcohol, whether it be attacker or victim, is unfortunately a ramification. Many young women are affected and remain silent about their experiences, afraid of consequential occurrences. It is important for these women to stick together and inform others of the possible repercussions of drinking. A little too much can result in reckless behavior. The Stanford rape case is a prime example of this outcome. The victim of this case makes sure her assaulter hears …show more content…
Is it a factor? Yes. But alcohol was not the one who stripped me, fingered me, had my head dragging against the ground, with me almost fully naked” (Baker). The young woman we will call Emily Doe, as she is known by her local newspapers, was severely affected. Now a statistic, her voice will still be heard. Having written a letter, she read it aloud to her attacker making it clear to him the damage and pain he caused her. It was a small feat though for her attacker only served 6 months in jail and 3 years’ probation. Back into their community he was welcomed with a slap on the wrist. The judge had feared the original sentence of 14 years would “have a severe impact on him.” But, alas, he is still a sexual offender with a title that will haunt him for life, and for good reason. Drinking was not solely the problem but it was definitely a major factor in the Stanford rape case. A dark situation could have been easily avoided with a solid foundation of respect for a woman and her body, no matter the circumstances. But what is really going on out there with college binge drinking and decision