One way to prevent sexual violence is to redefine the term itself. While most of us know what's obviously right and wrong, many people get confused when it comes to the "grey space" between uncomfortable situations and outright violence. Education initiatives have to go beyond just teaching teens that rape is not okay; instead, they must change the culture surrounding sexual violence that allows teens to think that pressure, or being drunk, or being in a relationship, somehow nullifies their actions. Regardless of whether or not a student would have any legal claim that they experienced sexual violence, there should be resources available to help teens grapple with emotional experiences, instead of immediately focusing on whether or not their story crosses the red line.
Grace McCollum
Mar 8, 2019
Discussion
Dr. Kristen blasey ford is a 52-year-old woman who went to medical school and taught at one of the top universities in the united states, Stanford University. She accused judge Brett kavanaugh of sexual assault when he was nominated to serve on the highest court of the land, the supreme court. When she made the accusations against kavanaugh she contacted her congresswomen as well as the Washington Post. She made it very clear that she wanted her identity to stay anonymous. Ford met with her senator and the senator was convinced that for was very credible. Ford initially made it very clear she did not want her identity public but eventually it became public and she was sworn in and told her recollection of her assault. This time in history is incredible for women. The me too movement supports women victims of sexual violence and women have come together to support other women to make it known they are not alone. In light of theme too movement lots of women have come out to tell their stories. I believe Brett Kavanaugh's testimony alone showed that he was unfit to be on the supreme court. He showed uncontrollable anger and seem very irrational. Someone in that position should be able to control their emotion. He did not appear as credible. High school boys should know assaulting girls is not okay and should affect their lives including careers.
It would be great if resources like these were implemented. Something that makes this extremely difficult is the mandated reporting in many states in the US. For example, if any teacher, counselor, psychologist/psychiatrist , doctor, etc. learns of sexual violence against a minor, they are mandated to report it to Child Protective Services, who may take any action that they see fit, which limits the ability of the victim to talk about their experiences without fear of it being reported.
I totally agree! We definitely need to change the distorted societal perspective on sexual violence. I was just wondering what would these resources you had in mind be? Would they be federally or state run? Or from an outside organization?
I definitely agree; I also think that by promoting these educational initiatives and providing preemptive resources, people can learn about the long-term tragic consequences and psychological damage that sexual violence can cause for both male and female victims.