Sexual Assault Environment

Sexual assault is the subject of many movies and popular television shows, but what people don’t necessarily understand is that on college campuses, the assailant is usually a friend or acquaintance and many assaults go unreported. The evil villain who attacks from the dark is more likely a date and the attack not a surprise from the shadows, but forced sex in a dorm room or apartment. The environment of a college campus brings together young adults who are dating, making new friends and often drinking for the first time and this environment creates opportunity to take advantage of a weaker or disoriented person. This environment puts an increased responsibility on the schools to ensure the environment is safe by preparing the students, employees …show more content…
Entering my junior year, I think I better understand the behaviors and some of the issues that students face. The environment at college is different for young adults and the student is faced with tremendous freedom and autonomy that they did not experience when living at home. College students meet new people, socialize and often alcohol is involved. When an assault takes place, it is understandable that the victim is confused, embarrassed and even thinking they are somewhat responsible, but what they must realize is the sexual assault is never acceptable and the victim should not think they are responsible. The article, Here’s the Real Reason College Sex Assault Reports are Rising, reports that the number of assaults has risen significantly from 2001 to 2011 and the reason they give is the fact that universities are becoming better educated about defining sexual assault and more transparent about disclosing when it happens, and victims feeling increasingly empowered to come forward because of these changes (Gray). This is positive because it empowers a student who feels violated to speak out. Students learn what assault is, that they have the power to say no and the means to press charges if they feel they have been violated. They also learn that no means no and that alcohol and drugs can be considered a weapon if used to create a vulnerable situation. …show more content…
I took a mandatory class that explained sexual assault, and this type of education continues. The MSU department of student life refers to the Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Prevention Program (SARV). SARV offers a forum for students to engage in conversation and be educated about college social life, and allows these students to become active members in keeping the Michigan State community safe. SARV is a required workshop for all first-year and transfer students. The effort and education from the MSU has led to more open discussions with my peers about the risks and what we should be doing. Victims of assault cannot feel like they have done something wrong and the reported data shows an increase in reporting indicates a trend in the right