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  • Essay / The problem of sexual assault on campus and its prevention

    Sexual assault is a real crime and, in a university context, it can be increasingly serious for the social and mental resistance of the victim. Being surrounded by new people, new companions, and uninformed teachers can make things increasingly painful and overwhelming for a person who has been attacked. Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or activity to which a person has not consented. Sexual assault can happen to anyone; however, women are more likely to be sexually assaulted. According to studies, "a woman's risk of being sexually assaulted while in college is about the same as her risk of catching the flu in an average year." 1 in 5 women are the target of sexual assault while at university.” Victims of sexual assault suffer physical and emotional injuries that can interfere with their education. Campus sexual assaults tend to go unreported due to drugs, lack of evidence, and/or many schools blaming the victim. Sexual assault on campus is a problem that could be solved by creating sexual assault-only prevention programs or taking self-defense classes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The effects of sexual assault can be devastating and traumatic. Victims may suffer physical injuries so severe that they require medical assistance, they may become pregnant, or they may contract a sexually transmitted disease. The victim could also develop emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress syndrome. This could lead to a decline in the victim's academic performance: students who are survivors of sexual assault rarely perform on par with their previous academic levels, are sometimes unable to keep up with a normal course load, and frequently miss classes. These changes sometimes come from social withdrawal, sometimes from a desire to avoid the aggressor. Abused students routinely drop classes, leave school, or transfer. In addition to reduced academic performance and social withdrawal, long-term outcomes may include increased risk of depression, substance abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, and of suicide. Sexual assault can cause students to lose concentration and ruin their chances of continuing their education. Although sexual assaults occur very often on campus, many victims refuse to report their incident. One article reports: “A study shows that of every 100 rapes committed in the United States, fewer than 20 are reported to the police, fewer than five are prosecuted and result in a conviction, and fewer than three result in prison time” ( Mantel). . Many people are reluctant to disclose their sexual assault for many reasons. One reason is that the school does not take their report seriously. In Alison E. Hatch's book, Campus Sexual Assault, she talks a little about how schools respond to victims. Hatch writes: "For example, a University of North Carolina administrator responded to Annie E. Clark's report of sexual assault by saying that 'rape is like a football, if you watch the game in fullback and you are the quarterback..." is there anything you would have done differently? Schools often tryblaming victims, which may lead them not to report their incident. It can also cause the victim to develop resentment toward the school, which could lead to the student wanting to drop out of classes. Sexual assaults on campus also go unreported because some victims may not remember the attack because of drugs. The drugs used are known as date rape drugs. People use date rape drugs because they cause the victim to be sedated and amnesia so severe that they cannot resist or even realize sexual assault. One of the most common and dangerous is Rohyphnol. Although it causes sedation, some women remember the assault: Women and girls across the country have told harrowing stories that a particular drug was slipped into their drinks - and raped while under the influence. This drug, Flunitrazepam or Rohypnol (known on the street as "roofers" or "roofers") is a powerful sedative 10 to 20 times more powerful than Valium, and causes memory loss and loss of consciousness. It takes effect within 20 to 30 minutes and can last up to 12 hours. Rohypnol is marketed in 64 countries as a prescription sleep aid and preoperative medication. It is illegal in the United States and possession is a crime. Rapes involving Rohypnol are rare, but cause a lot of fear. In 1996, state and local authorities reported 2,607 cases. Although Rohypnol, or “roofies,” is illegal, people can still get their hands on these drugs. People use Rohypnol because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. People also love him because of his strength. According to research, "a single 2-milligram pill has the same potency as a 6-pack of beer, but the effects differ slightly." If the victim does not remember their abuse, the crime will not be reported. Sexual assault is one of the most difficult crimes to convict due to lack of evidence. “Out of 1,000 rape cases, only 13 cases are referred to a prosecutor, and only 7 cases will result in a felony conviction.” Most evidence is simply “he said, she said.” For example, the perpetrator may say he knew the victim because they went on dates or were involved in sexual acts, which makes the victim less credible. The main evidence victims have is their bodies. The first thing a victim wants to do is take a shower after the attack. “Do NOT shower, brush your teeth, shower, or change clothes. That of the body is the best proof” (Koh). Additionally, women should seek medical attention before evidence is lost or eradicated. Victims can obtain a rape kit, so they will have more than their word as proof. Sexual assault on campus is an ongoing problem that must be addressed as quickly as possible. One way the university can prevent sexual assault is by creating sexual assault prevention programs that are mandatory for everyone. In Hatch's book, she covers the different types of prevention programs. Some schools already have a program in place; however, this increased fear of being attacked instead of reducing sexual assault. One effective program that many schools lack is bystander intervention. She says: “It teaches participants that it is possible for anyone to recognize and help stop harassment before it develops into sexual violence.” This helps everyone realize that they are a community and need to look out for each other..