The Problem of Sexual Assault and Rape

The number of sexual assault incidents are rising rapidly at college campuses across the country, issues with the definition and consent could be the cause of this reoccurring problem.

The Association of American Universities conducted a major nationwide project in 2014, called AAU Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct. This was one of the first projects of its kind. The survey was organized at 26 campuses across the country in order to better understand the attitudes of students on sexual assault and with that they would find a way to implement policies on sexual assault and sexual misconduct.

The results of the study concluded that “Rates of sexual assault and misconduct are highest among undergraduate females and those identifying as transgender, gender-queer, non-conforming, questioning, and as something not listed on the survey (TGQN).”

According to the survey, 23 percent of college women said they have experienced some form of sexual assault. While more than 50% that were victims did not report on their incident. The results of the survey also showed that drugs and alcohol play a significant part in sexual misconduct and sexual assault. But what exactly does sexual assault mean?

In another study conducted by the US Department of Justice, it was found that one in five women said they were sexually assaulted on college campuses. This statistic has been thrown around by several people, but lacks credibility as only two colleges were involved in the study, and the definition of sexual assault may have been too broad.

Illegal sexual contact that usually involves force upon a person without consent or is inflicted upon a person who is incapable of giving consent (because of age and physical or mental incapacity) or who places the assailant (as a doctor) in a position of trust or authority. Most of the surveys defined sexual assault as anything from an unwanted kiss or touch to rape, according to Webster’s Dictionary.

Critics have long doubted the studies done on sexual assault and rape on college campuses. Many believe the term is too broad when these studies are being conducted.

John Foubert, national president of One in Four, an organization that is dedicated to the prevention of rape through education and research, explained why the broad definition of sexual assault is so problematic.

“When we throw ‘unwanted sexual contact’ into the mix, we risk equating a forced kiss, which is a bad thing obviously, with rape, which is a fundamentally different act,” Foubert said.

Sexual assault and rape have two separate meanings, but often people do not know how to differentiate the two.

Justine Hernandez was a victim’s advocate for sexual assault at UNR. She has assisted many students at the university and has hope that sexual assault and rape can come to an end.

“For me, sexual assault occurs when someone engages in sexual activity without obtaining consent,” Hernandez said. “Consent should be enthusiastic, honest and fully informed.”

The AUU Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct concluded that more than 50 percent of men and women were victims of some type of severe sexual assault, but did not believe their situation was serious enough to be talked about.

“People believe sexual assault is a girl walking at night by herself and a man hiding in the bush jumps out at her with a knife, which is wrong,” Maddison Cervantes said.

Maddison Cervantes, a student at the University of Nevada, is working with five other students on broadening the horizons of the Yes! Always campaign, which is devoted to teaching students the importance of consent and healthy sexual relationships.

The Yes! Always campaign was founded by at team of communications students. One of their goals is aimed at teaching women and men to speak up and not feel guilty for what happened to them. This is one of many campaigns on college campuses dedicated to teaching students about sexual assault.

“In most cases it’s an acquaintance or someone you know that’s responsible,” Cervantes said.

Hernandez explained why victims experience guilt and stay quiet for so long.

“We also have a history of blaming the victim… how much did they drink, what were they wearing, why did they go to their house, why didn’t they fight back, etc.,” Hernandez said. “So when we put blame on the victim we take blame away from the person who is really at fault, the perpetrator.”

Sexual assault and rape on college campuses have given rise to the question of what can be done to prevent it from happening. Many organizations like the Yes! Always campaign and PACT5 are some examples of ways students can learn more about sexual assault and rape.

PACT5 is a national movement that stands by the idea that students help influence the minds of other students by telling their stories. These organizations are hoping to influence the minds of students across the country to become more aware of a problem that has always existed.

“Sexual assault has been a problem on college campuses from the beginning, but the conversation has just now been moving towards breaking the silence,” Hernandez said.