April is Sexual Assault Month and needless to say, it should be talked about more than just one month out of the year. Sexual assault happens often in America and more times than realized. According to an online sexual assault website (www.rainn.org/statistics), “Every 107 seconds, an American gets sexually assaulted.” This is both frightening and an alarming number to ignore. Something must be done to prevent this from happening.
A social media poll was taken asking men and women, “Do you think sexual assault is taken lightly? What are some ways to prevent it from happening?” The responses were powerful and showed awareness. Out of 15 men and women, five of them responded anonymously and here are some of the responses:
A man from Georgia states: “I believe that the crime itself isn’t taken lightly. I do believe that some people (men) may think sexual assault is a game and not treat it like it’s a crime. Sexual assault should never happen in my eyes. Respect the other person’s no!
Another man from Georgia replies: “What happened to women and men respecting one another? If the woman says no, it’s a no. Not a yes with a moan. What guy forces a woman or enjoys a woman who is unwilling to allow you to touch her? I would be turned off by that really quick.”
A woman in North Carolina expresses: “Unfortunately it happened to me and the guy got away with it. Years later, I ran into the guy and was scared and shocked to see him. I stood there frozen, unable to move. I said all of this to say, sexual assault is a crime that should NOT be taken lightly because even after the crime, the effects of what happened can never be forgotten. Hopefully, that man didn’t do that to another woman.”
Another woman in North Carolina responds: “We need to be more aware when it happens to us as women and what to do afterwards. Also, know that men experience it too, but Americans hardly hear about it. Each case should not be taken lightly and there should be a thorough investigation if it did happen. Justice needs to be served.”
Lastly, a man from New York writes: “Where I’m from, it happens all the time and no one wants to say anything. No one wants to be a snitch or ruin someone else’s career. Really? Like come on man, it’s not snitching if you wouldn’t want that happening to your daughter, that’s someone’s mother, sister, daughter, aunt, etc. Let’s get it together people.”
Evidently from the responses of this poll, sexual assault is not being taken lightly, but some more preventative measures need to be enforced. No one ever deserves to be sexually assaulted. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please report it!
Are sexual assault cases being taken lightly?
Written By: Tiffany Upchurch-Rivera