What Were You Wearing?
“Are you sure they did that? I bet you were flirting, too. It takes two to tango. What were you wearing?”
Walking by a group of men bracing for the wolf whistles, being hyperaware of where you look, how you look, and why they look. Backing away from unwanted touches. During class, at the gym, on a walk, at a party, and even in the comfort of your own home. Sexual assault can happen when you least expect it.
Devastatingly, this behavior has become normalized and accepted for decades. From wolf whistles to physical molestation, sexual assault occurs whenever there’s no consent. Anything other than yes isn’t consensual.
81% of women and 48% of men have experienced sexual assault.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time for survivors and their loved ones, advocates, and community to address the reality of sexual violence openly. This is a time to listen, support, and take action to end it.
Speaking up can be tough. It takes weeks, months, and even years for victims to open up about the sexual assault they’ve experienced. The image of themselves and others change forever in mere seconds. The Feelings of embarrassment, denial, and fear echo through their minds, making it hard to speak about the severity of the situation.
If anyone opens up to you about a delicate situation such as sexual assault, just know that their healing can start with your understanding and belief.
Educating yourself is enough support!
Even if you don’t personally know a survivor, speaking out against SA and raising awareness can make a powerful impact on society and encourage those around you to speak up. Learning how to build a safe environment for all by understanding consent, believing victims, and advocating for justice can be small steps, but they’ll lead to powerful change.
Why Awareness Matters.
Sexual Assault thrives in silence. Start to break that cycle by speaking up and spreading awareness. Regardless of gender, race, or age, no one is immune from the possibility of assault. Be aware of the signs of sexual assault in others, and protect yourself from being put in those vulnerable spaces. It takes an immense amount of bravery to open up about SA, and survivors share their stories to let others know that no one has to go through this alone.
Where to turn.
On campus, the Student Wellness & Health Promotion has outlets such as the Sexual Assault Response Team that can help you or a loved one, providing support and life-long strategies to help you cope with both physical and mental issues you’ve got going on. Remember, no one has to go through this alone.
Start the conversation today!
Student Wellness & Health Promotion- Sexual Assault Response Team
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