According to the American Civil Liberties Union, over 95% of sexual assault cases on college campuses go unreported. 85% of perpetrators know their victims, making victims feel conflicted when debating on whether or not to report their cases and pursue legal charges. In the age of 0 tolerance and more awareness in society, you would think colleges would have the same policy.
I’ve realized that most colleges try to cover up cases and reports in fear of ruining the school’s reputation. If alcohol is present or reported to be present, cases are almost always determined as being the victim’s fault. There is no excuse for rape.
Mob mentality is extremely prevalent within college communities. Most people fear being socially exiled and will believe whatever story they hear first or whatever story most people believe - whether it is the truth or not. Victim blaming and shaming often becomes mob-like. Bringing up victims’ past and sexual activity comes into the conversation when that shouldn’t even be the case. How are past events related to something completely separate?
Many schools claim to have resources available for victims or anyone who needs help. And I applaud them for that. Many resources on campus are extraordinary, and the staff and specialists available for students to contact are amazing. I believe that most schools, now, are trying to handle any assault cases as best as they can, and in house.
Blaming alcohol is also not a solution. Alcohol and party culture are not to blame. A person who commits sexual assault is not a person who made a mistake. While colleges are working to help sexual assault victims, they aren’t doing much to prevent sexual assault. Most colleges want to keep any reported cases as low-key as possible to avoid press and coverage. While they shouldn’t broadcast survivors stories, colleges should not be protecting assaulters in order to help their reputation.
