Over the course of the 2014-2015 academic year, debates involving the frequency and the severity of sexual assault on college campuses have created a much larger discussion than those directed around preventing this violent act and helping victims.
Discussions in the media and on college campuses discounting the experiences of sexual assault survivors, stating that the claims against their perpetrators are false, are more prevalent than discussions about how to prevent sexual violence and how to support survivors.
Why is it that people seem to be more inclined to blame the victims of sexual assault and question their integrity, rather than admit that this violent crime is happening in their communities? To reduce the number of sexual assaults on our campuses, it is essential that we begin by addressing that this is, in fact, a safety concern on our campuses and in our communities.
Sexual assault affects many in the state of Maine, as well as throughout the entire country. One in five Mainers will experience an attempted or completed rape at some point throughout their lifetime. Rape and sexual assault are the most underreported crimes in the United States, largely due to the personal nature of experiencing rape and sexual assault, fears of the criminal justice system, and the way that many survivors are treated when they do come forward.
Misconceptions about false reports also play a role in the lack of reporting, despite the fact that only 2-8 percent of sexual assault reports are false. In reality, the rate of false reports of sexual assault is the same as any violent crime.
Sexual assault is deeply rooted in our culture, but we, especially within the University of Maine System, have the ability to change the way sexual assaults are responded to at the university level. Although it may seem as though sexual assault is an issue far too large for any individual to combat, there are steps that each of us can take to create campuses that are free from sexual violence.
1. First, and most importantly, when somebody discloses a sexual assault, begin by believing, listening and offering support. Refrain from asking them questions about their actions prior to and during the attack as this can create doubt and shame. Rather, validate their emotions and their fears. Remember not to blame the victim. A sexual assault victim is never at fault.
2. Next, we must gain a complete understanding of the definition of consent: an enthusiastic yes. Consent must be freely given, never assumed, and can be withdrawn at any time. An individual cannot be pressured or forced into giving consent, and it is important to remember that drug and alcohol use can decrease the capacity of an individual to give consent.
3. Be conscious of the words you use on a daily basis. Violent words uphold systems of violence. Rape jokes and discriminatory language are never acceptable.
4. Know your rights under Title IX. Take a look at www.titleix.info and www.knowyourix.org for more information.
5. Part of preventing sexual violence from occurring is holding perpetrators accountable for their decision to commit a sexual assault crime. The rate of repeat sexual assault perpetrators is staggering – one study found that, on average, repeat offenders commit 5.8 acts of rape each, and that just 4 percent of the sample population was responsible for 28 percent of the sexual assaults and other forms of violence reported.
6. Be an active bystander. If you see something happening that could potentially lead to a sexual assault, step in. This can be as simple as checking in, creating a distraction, or pointing out the danger of having expectations surrounding sexual encounters.
As a collective force, we have the ability to create safer campus environments and help those who have been affected by sexual assault. We can reduce the rates of sexual violence by eliminating victim-blaming, providing support for victims, holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and changing our culture. Together, we can work to create campuses throughout the state of Maine that are free from sexual violence.
Erin McGuigan graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington in 2014. She wrote this letter to students, administrators, faculty, staff and alumni within the University of Maine System.