April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month. Students, faculty and staff at the University of Oregon are survivors of sexual violence.
One in four women on a college campus is a survivor of attempted or completed sexual violence, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. With a student population of 22,386, according to the University’s Web site, there are about 2,800 female student survivors on campus.
According to the University’s Department of Public Safety report from 2009, there were only eight reported cases of sexual violence in 2008 on campus. There are many reasons a student might not report, including feeling scared about her safety, the re-traumatization that can occur from talking about it, thinking that she will not be believed or supported, and self-blame for the assault, among others. In cases of interpersonal violence, it is common for individuals to identify with either the accuser or the accused, but it is essential to recognize that survivors of partner abuse are negatively affected when anger and blame is directed toward them.
When survivors report the crime, they often experience intense emotions and stress related to the uncertainty of trial or settlement outcomes, and this is especially true when the community reacts without appropriate consideration or respect for the survivor. These reactions often come in the form of a dismissive attitude or suggestions that survivors may be at fault for their own victimization. University students, faculty and administration must create an environment where individuals are heard and offered assistance in times of crisis, especially when it involves sexual assault and interpersonal violence. Additionally, we recognize that to eradicate sexual violence from our community, each of us, and especially men, must speak up and act against violence, which occurs on a spectrum from sexist comments to sexual assault.
You may be asking yourself, “What can I do?” Speak up when you hear sexist jokes or comments. If you see or hear friends abusing their partners, talk to them about it, urge them to seek help, or consult a friend, parent or professor. Educate yourself about sexism and sexual violence. Be an ally to women and men who are working to end all forms of gender violence. If you are emotionally, sexually, psychologically, or physically abusive to women, or have been in the past, seek professional help.
As a community, we all stand in solidarity against sexual violence. Sexual violence cases are a collective reminder that we need to increase awareness and action related to this pressing community problem. We have an opportunity to come together and continue the conversation about how to support survivors and end sexual violence; it starts with you.
There are many campus and community resources to support survivors of interpersonal violence. On campus, the University Counseling and Testing Center (541-346-3227) offers confidential support; the University Health Center has sexual assault nurse examiners on staff (541-346-2770); the Office of Student Life (541-346-3216) offers resources, support and consultation about academic situations, housing options and student conduct options.
In the community, Sexual Assault Support Services offers a 24-hour crisis line and comprehensive advocacy services (541-343-SASS). Womenspace works with domestic violence survivors and offers advocacy, support groups, an emergency shelter and a 24-hour help line (541-485-6513).
We must prioritize this issue if we are committed to making a safe campus environment. Show your support for University survivors of sexual violence by attending Take Back the Night at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the EMU Amphitheater.
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