Senior Writing
Sexual assault
Jimena Meza
Torres
AVID
04 November 2015
Sexual Assault on College Campuses
Safety. One of the many things parents worry about when they send their sons and daughters off to college. There are many risks involved with leaving home for college, and sexual assault is one of the biggest risks. Sexual assault on college campuses is a growing concern for both teenagers going to college and their parents. Many colleges maintain an active role in ensuring the safety of their students, but the activities in which the students engage can increase their exposure to sexual assault.
What is sexual assault?Sexual assault has many definitions and categories. According to the Department of Justice, sexual assault is “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient” (Dep. of Justice). There are a few sexual activities that fall under the category of sexual assault, forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, fondling and attempted rape.
Incapacitated Sexual Assault. Any type of unwanted sexual contact with an incapacitated victim or unconscious victim
Forcible Sodomy. Forcibly engaging in an act that involves the genitals of one person and the mouth of another.
Fondling. Stroking or to caress lovingly or erotically without permission.
Attempted Rape. An attempt to penetrate a person's body.
Exposure and Risky Behavior
According to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, college women, during the first weeks of their freshmen and sophomore years, are the most vulnerable to sexual assault (CRCC). Any college student that takes part in risky behavior is exposed to sexual assault. Typically anyone is at risk for sexual assault, but on college campuses females are the most vulnerable, especially when under the influence. Drugs and alcohol are to blame for most sexual attacks (CRCC).
College Campus Rape Statistics
A total of 5,446 undergraduate women between the ages of 18-25 participated in a survey about sexual assault. The results of the survey found that 19% of the women had experienced some type of sexual assault since entering college (Washington Post). According to that same survey, 20% of senior females had been sexually assaulted since entering college. Of that twenty percent, 6.9% experienced physically forced sexual assault, and 16% experienced incapacitated sexual assault.
Another study conducted at MIT found that 17% of female undergraduates experienced unwanted sexual behaviors while attending MIT. Those experiences involved the use of force, physical threat or incapacitation (Gray).
Assaulter Consequences
One would expect violators of the law to pay the full price for their crimes, sadly this is not true for sexual assault on college campuses. A research project was conducted from February 2009, to February 2010. According to the Center for Public Integrity, “students found ‘responsible’ for sexual assaults on campus often face little or no punishment from school judicial systems” (Center for Public Integrity). Thus meaning that although the lives of the assaulted are turned upside down, the assaulter receives no punishment.
On the contrary, colleges “strongly support” efforts to eliminate sexual assault on college campuses. For example, Barnard college claims that, “It is the policy of Barnard College that all forms of sexual assault are unacceptable, and we strongly support efforts to eliminate its occurrence and to discipline offenders. Barnard College and Columbia University provide a wide array of programs and resources aimed at the prevention of sexual assault and the support and care of victims/survivors” (Barnard).
Possible Consequences of Sexual Assault
There are many both physical and emotional consequences of sexual assault. Both of these types of consequences are very serious. Emotionally speaking, a victim of sexual assault may experience severe depression or emotional instability that requires treatment. Physically speaking, injuries resulting from the assault may require medical attention. One must also take into consideration that pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases can be a result of sexual assault. Sexual assault is often a traumatic event that can completely alter the day to day lives of its victims.
According to the American Association of University Professors, college students whom have survived sexual assault rarely perform at their prior academic levels. Aside from this, students discontinue to participate in their communities. In addition, they cannot keep up with a normal course load and often miss classes (AAUP).
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWR)
In 2013 president Barack Obama signed the VAWR as a reaction to the high rates of sexual assault towards women. This act was an attempt to end sexual assault towards all age groups, 18-25 being the largest group of sexual assault reports. As a result of this act, sexual assault became a known issue and assistance was provided for victims and survivors of sexual assault (White House).
Concerns About Sexual Assault
College females are at risk of being sexually assaulted, as are college males at risk of being accused of sexual assault. Usually college students look for signs when trying to find a potential sexual partner, and at times this judgment is not accurate. This can lead to male students being falsely accused of rape (The Daily Beast).
Sexual Assault is a growing issue that affects college students everywhere. More than often college students do not even know the meaning of sexual assault. Therefore they believe that they are not subject to be a victim of sexual assault and they ignore the possibility that they too can be a victim. On the other hand college males could be accused of sexual assault if they do not take the proper precautions when being sexually active.
Works Cited "Campus Sexual Assault: Suggested Policies and Procedures." Campus Sexual Assault: Suggested Policies and Procedures. American Association of University Professors. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
Gray, Eliza. "University Survey Highlights Role of 'Verbal Coercion' in Sexual Assault." University Survey Highlights Role of ‘Verbal Coercion’ in Sexual Assault. Time. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Do Male Freshmen Know What ‘Rape’ Is, and How to Negotiate Consent?" The Daily Beast. The Daily Beast, 5 Oct. 2015. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"One in Five Women in College Sexually Assaulted: An Update on This Statistic." Washington Post. The Washington Post. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT: A RENEWED CALL TO ACTION." The White House Council on Women and Girls, 2014. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Sexual Assault." Sexual Assault. Department of Justice, 2 Apr. 2015. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Sexual Assault Policy." Sexual Assault Policy. Barnard College, 2015. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center." Defining Sexual Assault. University of Michigan. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Sexual Assault on Campus." Center for Public Integrity. 24 Apr. 2015. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Sexual Violence on College Campuses." Cleveland Rape Crisis Center: Strength, Compassion, Hope. (Sexual Violence on College Campuses). Cleveland Rape Crisis Center | 24 Hour Hotline: (216) 619-6192. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
Torres
AVID
04 November 2015
Sexual Assault on College Campuses
Safety. One of the many things parents worry about when they send their sons and daughters off to college. There are many risks involved with leaving home for college, and sexual assault is one of the biggest risks. Sexual assault on college campuses is a growing concern for both teenagers going to college and their parents. Many colleges maintain an active role in ensuring the safety of their students, but the activities in which the students engage can increase their exposure to sexual assault.
What is sexual assault?Sexual assault has many definitions and categories. According to the Department of Justice, sexual assault is “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient” (Dep. of Justice). There are a few sexual activities that fall under the category of sexual assault, forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, fondling and attempted rape.
Incapacitated Sexual Assault. Any type of unwanted sexual contact with an incapacitated victim or unconscious victim
Forcible Sodomy. Forcibly engaging in an act that involves the genitals of one person and the mouth of another.
Fondling. Stroking or to caress lovingly or erotically without permission.
Attempted Rape. An attempt to penetrate a person's body.
Exposure and Risky Behavior
According to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, college women, during the first weeks of their freshmen and sophomore years, are the most vulnerable to sexual assault (CRCC). Any college student that takes part in risky behavior is exposed to sexual assault. Typically anyone is at risk for sexual assault, but on college campuses females are the most vulnerable, especially when under the influence. Drugs and alcohol are to blame for most sexual attacks (CRCC).
College Campus Rape Statistics
A total of 5,446 undergraduate women between the ages of 18-25 participated in a survey about sexual assault. The results of the survey found that 19% of the women had experienced some type of sexual assault since entering college (Washington Post). According to that same survey, 20% of senior females had been sexually assaulted since entering college. Of that twenty percent, 6.9% experienced physically forced sexual assault, and 16% experienced incapacitated sexual assault.
Another study conducted at MIT found that 17% of female undergraduates experienced unwanted sexual behaviors while attending MIT. Those experiences involved the use of force, physical threat or incapacitation (Gray).
Assaulter Consequences
One would expect violators of the law to pay the full price for their crimes, sadly this is not true for sexual assault on college campuses. A research project was conducted from February 2009, to February 2010. According to the Center for Public Integrity, “students found ‘responsible’ for sexual assaults on campus often face little or no punishment from school judicial systems” (Center for Public Integrity). Thus meaning that although the lives of the assaulted are turned upside down, the assaulter receives no punishment.
On the contrary, colleges “strongly support” efforts to eliminate sexual assault on college campuses. For example, Barnard college claims that, “It is the policy of Barnard College that all forms of sexual assault are unacceptable, and we strongly support efforts to eliminate its occurrence and to discipline offenders. Barnard College and Columbia University provide a wide array of programs and resources aimed at the prevention of sexual assault and the support and care of victims/survivors” (Barnard).
Possible Consequences of Sexual Assault
There are many both physical and emotional consequences of sexual assault. Both of these types of consequences are very serious. Emotionally speaking, a victim of sexual assault may experience severe depression or emotional instability that requires treatment. Physically speaking, injuries resulting from the assault may require medical attention. One must also take into consideration that pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases can be a result of sexual assault. Sexual assault is often a traumatic event that can completely alter the day to day lives of its victims.
According to the American Association of University Professors, college students whom have survived sexual assault rarely perform at their prior academic levels. Aside from this, students discontinue to participate in their communities. In addition, they cannot keep up with a normal course load and often miss classes (AAUP).
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWR)
In 2013 president Barack Obama signed the VAWR as a reaction to the high rates of sexual assault towards women. This act was an attempt to end sexual assault towards all age groups, 18-25 being the largest group of sexual assault reports. As a result of this act, sexual assault became a known issue and assistance was provided for victims and survivors of sexual assault (White House).
Concerns About Sexual Assault
College females are at risk of being sexually assaulted, as are college males at risk of being accused of sexual assault. Usually college students look for signs when trying to find a potential sexual partner, and at times this judgment is not accurate. This can lead to male students being falsely accused of rape (The Daily Beast).
Sexual Assault is a growing issue that affects college students everywhere. More than often college students do not even know the meaning of sexual assault. Therefore they believe that they are not subject to be a victim of sexual assault and they ignore the possibility that they too can be a victim. On the other hand college males could be accused of sexual assault if they do not take the proper precautions when being sexually active.
Works Cited "Campus Sexual Assault: Suggested Policies and Procedures." Campus Sexual Assault: Suggested Policies and Procedures. American Association of University Professors. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
Gray, Eliza. "University Survey Highlights Role of 'Verbal Coercion' in Sexual Assault." University Survey Highlights Role of ‘Verbal Coercion’ in Sexual Assault. Time. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Do Male Freshmen Know What ‘Rape’ Is, and How to Negotiate Consent?" The Daily Beast. The Daily Beast, 5 Oct. 2015. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"One in Five Women in College Sexually Assaulted: An Update on This Statistic." Washington Post. The Washington Post. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT: A RENEWED CALL TO ACTION." The White House Council on Women and Girls, 2014. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Sexual Assault." Sexual Assault. Department of Justice, 2 Apr. 2015. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Sexual Assault Policy." Sexual Assault Policy. Barnard College, 2015. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center." Defining Sexual Assault. University of Michigan. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Sexual Assault on Campus." Center for Public Integrity. 24 Apr. 2015. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Sexual Violence on College Campuses." Cleveland Rape Crisis Center: Strength, Compassion, Hope. (Sexual Violence on College Campuses). Cleveland Rape Crisis Center | 24 Hour Hotline: (216) 619-6192. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
Facing a fear (Autobiographical narrative)
Having everyone's eyes on me was my worst nightmare. However, growing up in a school system that required participation and working with others, forced me to come out of my shell in the fourth grade. Although I disliked the idea of “group projects”; mainly because I hated speaking in public or giving presentations. Even when I was paired up with “friends” for a group project, I was always fearful of receiving a bad grade because I was afraid to speak.
This all changed my eighth grade year when the theatre production “Alice in Wonderland” was put on by my school. I had no intention in auditioning for the play, but because one of my close friends was in charge of the production, I was talked into auditioning for both the lead role and the role of Chesshire Cat. Landing the lead role never crossed my mind, but it happened.
Projecting my voice was a problem throughout the production, and being able to face the audience was even a bigger challenge. Morning to night, I had to read and re-read all on my lines-- I was in almost every single scene. I was having a lot of trouble memorizing my lines and getting into character; I constantly found myself in front of my bedroom mirror rehearsing my lines and trying to speak louder, this was the only way i would do a good job of performing the day of the production.
After a month and a half of rehearsing and memorizing lines, we had our first dress rehearsal. I had improved so much. In the beginning, it was difficult to hear me from across an average sized classroom, but that day I was heard from across the school cafeteria. I wanted to improve, and my dedication and the constant rehearsing in front of my bedroom mirror paid off. When we had dress rehearsal in the theatre, I had improved tenfold-- I was heard loud and clear across the whole theatre, without a microphone.
I felt like I was now able to do what I feared the most: speaking in public. After two shows, I had dominated the stage. All of my lines flowed naturally and every scene was impeccable as a whole.
being a part of that completely changed me. I was no longer afraid to speak in public or to stand in front of a crowd. This small time period completely changed my personality; I was no longer the student that preferred to write essays instead of creating power-points to avoid presenting the project. Working with such a big group of people made me realize that if they were able to be patient with me and my bad public speaking skills, I had to do the same. Because of this experience, I am now the type of student that prefers to stand in front of the class and teach my peers something new by presenting a research project, or tutoring during class and after school rather than writing a long boring essay and sitting in the back of the classroom.
This all changed my eighth grade year when the theatre production “Alice in Wonderland” was put on by my school. I had no intention in auditioning for the play, but because one of my close friends was in charge of the production, I was talked into auditioning for both the lead role and the role of Chesshire Cat. Landing the lead role never crossed my mind, but it happened.
Projecting my voice was a problem throughout the production, and being able to face the audience was even a bigger challenge. Morning to night, I had to read and re-read all on my lines-- I was in almost every single scene. I was having a lot of trouble memorizing my lines and getting into character; I constantly found myself in front of my bedroom mirror rehearsing my lines and trying to speak louder, this was the only way i would do a good job of performing the day of the production.
After a month and a half of rehearsing and memorizing lines, we had our first dress rehearsal. I had improved so much. In the beginning, it was difficult to hear me from across an average sized classroom, but that day I was heard from across the school cafeteria. I wanted to improve, and my dedication and the constant rehearsing in front of my bedroom mirror paid off. When we had dress rehearsal in the theatre, I had improved tenfold-- I was heard loud and clear across the whole theatre, without a microphone.
I felt like I was now able to do what I feared the most: speaking in public. After two shows, I had dominated the stage. All of my lines flowed naturally and every scene was impeccable as a whole.
being a part of that completely changed me. I was no longer afraid to speak in public or to stand in front of a crowd. This small time period completely changed my personality; I was no longer the student that preferred to write essays instead of creating power-points to avoid presenting the project. Working with such a big group of people made me realize that if they were able to be patient with me and my bad public speaking skills, I had to do the same. Because of this experience, I am now the type of student that prefers to stand in front of the class and teach my peers something new by presenting a research project, or tutoring during class and after school rather than writing a long boring essay and sitting in the back of the classroom.