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.
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Natalie Kelly
Jan 22, 2018
Changing How We View Violence
Changing How We View Violence
3 comments
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.