By Misty Barron
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and educate people on how to prevent sexual assault. It is also a good time to talk about the harsh reality of what sexual assault is and who commits it.
“SAAM provides an opportunity for Survivors to share their experience and for the rest of us to show our support and actively stand against sexual harassment and assault,” says Allie Martinez, deputy Title IX coordinator of Delta. “Survivors are more likely to come forward with what happened to them if they feel like they will be believed and supported, and SAAM provides a wonderful avenue for that. Movements like #MeToo show that there is power in collective voices and shared experiences, and awareness months paved the way for that.”
Sexual assault encompasses all nonconsensual sexual activity, including unwanted touching, groping, kissing, or rape. This type of assault can have long-lasting physical and mental effects on the victim. It is crucial to recognize that sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, age, or sexual orientation.
“There is nothing, NOTHING, that anyone can do to “invite” a sexual assault.” said Martinez. “The majority of sexual harassment and assault goes unreported because victims may feel like they did something to warrant it – they didn’t say ‘no’, they gave the wrong impression, they drank too much, they dressed too sexy, etc. We have to combat that!”
Research shows that around 80-90% of all sexual abuse happens at the hands of someone the victim knows and trusts. Because of this, Martinez shared that victims often struggle against the misconception assault is only perpetrated by strangers.
“They don’t know how to process when their dating partner, coworker, friend or classmate is the one who assaults them,” she said “So they often try to brush it off as just an awkward sexual encounter rather than coercion.”
Several factors make sexual assault more likely to happen from someone the victim knows. The perpetrator may use their relationship with the victim to gain access to them, build trust, or use emotional manipulation to force the victim into sexual activity. Sometimes, the perpetrator may feel entitled to sexual access to the victim due to their relationship or past interactions.
The experience of assault by an acquaintance is difficult to come to terms with. Victims experience shock at having had their trust violated on top of all the other trauma an assault inflicts upon them. Oftentimes, they fear reporting the crime and worry about not being believed and/or facing backlash from the perpetrator or their social circle.
“I always recommend that people know what resources are available in their community,” Martinez shared when asked how the average person can help if someone they know is a victim. “You never know when or why someone may choose to disclose something so personal to you, but you can be prepared with a response. The best response is to listen, believe and support them, as well as recommending a local resource that they may benefit from.”
It is crucial to recognize that sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. Regardless of the circumstances, the perpetrator is always responsible for their actions. Victims require support and understanding, and it is essential to believe them and provide them with the resources necessary to heal. Martinez sums this sentiment up best, “You may not feel like an expert, but you can always refer them to one!”
Delta has free and confidential counseling available to all students. Title IX Office can also help investigate incidents of sexual harassment and assault on campus, regardless if the assailant is a student or staff. For those looking to get involved in SAAM or other awareness months, Martinez says, “We are always looking to engage students in awareness efforts in meaningful ways.”
