Mykl Miller and Josh Pardo Interviews

Jazmine Barrios, 18, Freshman

“[Sexual] Assault, to the reciprocator, is a very intense form of negative interaction in a sexual manner.”

“It was one of my friend’s birthday, so we went to a friend of mine’s house because his parents were out of town. Everyone was drinking and it escalated really quickly… My friend went to the bathroom and a [male] friend went in after her. While she was going to the bathroom, he forced her to, you know, suck his dick.”

“I don’t like to put myself into situations where I know things are going to happen… If I am under the influence and a guy is also under the influence and we’re in a room alone together, I feel like he is going to do something. Removing yourself from things like that or thinking ahead is the best way to prevent it.”

“Girls are only going to report it if they know that they’re fully taken care of. If the guy can still go out and about and do as he pleases, possibly doing it to other people, then the girl’s not going to want to report it.”

Carmel Lujan, 28, Super-Senior

“I would define sexual assault as any unwanted contact or even any unsolicited and/or unwanted verbal communication.”

“I’m not comfortable discussing it.”

“Awareness goes a long way. I think a practical approach to preventing it and/or helping victims definitely goes a long way.”

“I think [there should be] very strict punishments for many cases but while still making sure that a thorough interview is done. Insure that justice is served to those who need it or need to be protected, and that plays for both sexual harassment, sexual assault and any other unjust interactions or actions by people towards anybody.”

Kiran Haji, 20, Junior

“I think of someone trying to get all up on someone or even the bare minimum, like, if someone says no and [the assaulter] makes someone uncomfortable, especially when they verbally said ‘no.’”

“Recently on campus I heard someone call out, ‘Let me take that shit off of you,’ and I know that that’s not sexual assault, but it’s verbal assault.”

“I’m huge on the buddy system, making sure you’re with someone, especially when you’re out at night time, or like, carrying pepper spray.”

“I think more awareness that this is happening and also if a victim does go up to someone [to report it] they need to properly take care of the situation and really investigate into it, even if it’s the smallest thing.”

Katy Goerss, 21, Senior

“Unwanted sexual touching or statements.”

“Yes, in high school I was sexually assaulted badly, and that’s all I’d like to say about it.

“Be in groups of people and get your concealed handgun license like I did.

“Have support groups, make sure the people that have been accused of sexual assault are found in a timely manner and have gone through the necessary steps of punishment and sentencing.”