Reaching students on campus about the issues of sexual violence is vital for the well-being and success of people in our community. It is necessary the information come from a position of supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable for choosing to commit sexual assault. While the opinion article titled “Dating can be dangerous” published on Oct. 22nd was clearly written with good intentions, I’d like to clarify a few points.
It is important to understand that most “date rapes” are not date rapes at all – they are acquaintance rapes. Eighty-five percent of campus rapes happen by someone the survivor knows (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2001). Using the term “date rape” is a misrepresentation and minimization of the impact of sexual violence. It also makes it easier to perpetuate the myth that acquaintance rapes involve a certain degree of “leading on” (i.e. she said ‘yes’ to the date). The term “date rape” was not developed within the sexual violence prevention movement. Instead, it was created by the media as a catchy way to draw an audience. Everyone should be encouraged to use the term “rape” without qualifiers, so as to fully represent the harm and violence that occurs in situations like these (Funk, 2004).
Encouraging individuals to do certain things to protect themselves from being victimized is another approach that puts the responsibility of sexual violence in the wrong hands. Promoting self-defense classes cultivates the myth that many rapes occur by strangers and individuals should be prepared to “fight them off.” This ignores the complex dynamics that are so often involved in acquaintance rape situations. Another common myth is that a survivor could have prevented the rape from happening. Encouraging individuals to drink carefully, be straightforward, and “trust the voice in their head” to avoid date rape, implies that survivors have control over rape situations. While it is important for all of us to be responsible for our choices, the question remains: Where do perpetrators fall into this picture and what choices are they making?
Finally, there are a variety of resources available on campus and in the community. On campus, the Office of Student Life is available for advocacy and support. This office can connect you with many other organizations that offer services for survivors of sexual assault, partner violence, and sexual harassment. Call (541) 346-1156 or stop by 164 Oregon Hall. The University Health & Counseling Center offers services for students (Call 541-346-3227). Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) provides community education, outreach, advocacy, and support to survivors and their families. They have a 24-hour crisis line (541)-343-SASS (7277) or 1-800-788-4727. SASS is located on 591 W 19th Ave. in Eugene. Also, if campus groups are interested in more information about healthy relationships, the Sexual Wellness Advocacy Team (SWAT) facilitates interactive, fun workshops for student groups related to healthy sex, consent, and sexual violence. Call (541) 346-1198 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or to schedule a workshop.
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‘Acquaintance rape’ is still rape, and not victim’s fault
Daily Emerald
October 23, 2008
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