1 in 5 women experience sexual harassment, coercion and abuse on college campuses. This is a number that has been going around the internet for some time now but a lot of people fail to see the spectrum that it envelops. It isn’t just about the dangerous people out there. It’s also about the culture that turns ‘normal’ people into those who would make our places of education dangerous to be in. You can take steps to fight gendered violence and sexual misconduct.
Educate those you know
The first thing that we should all be doing is having a more open dialogue about sex and assault with our young people. The biological definitions we’re given in schools aren’t enough to cover everything that young men and women need to know. We also need to learn and to teach the vital concept of consent, as well as the many different forms of harassment. Harassment might seem like a grey area because the harasser may not have aggressive intentions. However, that doesn’t change the perspective of the victim. So we need to help align everyone’s perspectives as best we can.
Support the right messages
We can do a lot, ourselves, but we can only do so much. The rest of the time, we should be trying our best to help signal boost the messages that promote gender equality and safety for women. For example, even something as simple as pop culture that empowers women and promotes equality. We live in a culture that perpetuates norms that have led to the dangerous state of our society and the institutions within it. We can all take a step to change that culture.
Know when to get the law on your side
No-one is above accountability. Everyone should be held to a better standard when it comes to sexual assault and violence against women. Especially those in power. Title IX of the Education Amendments doesn’t just give victims of assault better options at seeking justice. It also fights for their right to not face retaliation for making their report. In a campus system, the college might seem like it has absolute power. However, there are always other avenues and options to explore.
Staying safe
Whilst we all like to believe that communication and education would be enough to make our campuses safer, they are not. No victim is responsible for an assault on their person. But we should emphasize how important it is to live within the culture as well as try to change it. RAINN is one of the best supporters for survivors of abuse and violence. Their tips include being more cautious with what geographical details we share online and making others earn your trust. We know college is a new, overwhelming and fun experience for many. But we should be guarded with ourselves all the same.
Education is the first and perhaps most important step in changing our culture. Be and support the voice that tells how it is. Take care of yourself and remind others to do the same. Above all else, make sure no-one is above accountability.