According to the Rape, Abuse ‘ Incest National Network, sixty percent of rapes/sexual assaults will remain unreported.
When all incidences of rape/sexual assaults are accounted for only six percent of rapists will ever spend a day in jail; fifteen out of sixteen will walk free.
In the United States and abroad, sexual assaults are some of the most unreported crimes. This culture of silence is more detrimental to women than any sexual aggressor. The disparity between the actual number of sexual assaults and those reported is only increased by a world uncomfortable with speaking about the topic.
Discussion pertaining to violence of any kind is exceptionally taboo, but sex-related violence more so. There seems to be an atmosphere of utter uneasiness when one mentions sexual assault.
No one wants to take the topic head-on.
Most simply want to dismiss it, color it with an optimistic patina, or are unfortunately ignorant on the reality of the issue.
Then there are those who hear of sexual assault cases and instantly revile the victim with such insinuations as: She brought it on herself; or, if she were more careful none of this would have happened; or, she doesn’t remember what happened, she’s unreliable.
Even the legal system fails to cleanse the air; many sexual assault laws are so amorphous and vague to the point of multiple interpretations, which most likely factor in reducing the chances of a rapist being convicted.
Often, it seems that people hide behind legal niceties and bureaucratic red tape instead of challenging others and themselves to fully grapple with issues that might improve the situation.
If the law obfuscates the issue, then why not work to make it clearer? If red tape serves as an impediment to positive solutions for the community, then why bow down before it? If a lack of knowledge prevents an informed discussion, then why not familiarize people with the relevant information?
A little honest introspection will often remind us when we are scapegoating our jobs or positions for our lack of initiative and commitment.
As the inspirational college basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski, has said, “the truth is that many people set rules to keep from making decisions.”
Unfortunately, when it concerns dire issues such as rape/sexual assault, this professional detachment can be incredibly counterproductive.
Society’s reluctance to open communication about this topic only harms women, those who have and have not been affected by rape. For the majority of sexual assault victims, silence, fear, and shame are responses to the trauma.
Often they cannot articulate the events-either due to the psychological duress they undergo or they are unable to mentally recreate the events due to intoxication-or they fear that their testimony will not be trusted; or, they will be shamed by their community, family, and friends.
However, one of the most powerful ways to aid in the healing process and help prevent future assaults is to speak out. Many therapists and sexual assault prevention groups, including the RAINN, suggest that victims take up creative outlets such as writing or painting in order to articulate their experiences.
Last week the national “Take Back the Night” rally came to UT, and this is always a great event for overcoming fear and silence everywhere. But we need more than annual rallies; what we need is a sustained effort by a collective group of brave men and women to permanently and routinely “take back the night” from assault, marginalization and most of all disempowerment.
Articulation is power. It is representative of the ability to understand and cope with the assault. It also provides courage for others to step forward.
Many victims often feel alone in their isolation when there are hundreds of women who feel similarly. A chain of communication would unite women who have been sexually assaulted.
However, it is not solely the responsibility of those who’ve been directly affected to speak. Everyone should feel compelled to spread information about prevention and methods of aiding victims and simply be willing to listen and discuss the issue of sexual assault.
Once the victimized are given voice, they are no longer victims.