Lilyanna Elizondo, political science and sociology double major, 19
Sexual assault begins by validating the behavior that leads to sexual violence on a more pervasive level instead of immediately condemning it.
When asked what it meant to her, Lilyanna said, “Hmm, I guess I’d say it’s when someone touches you in a sexual way or aggressively comes on to you without your consent.”
Lilyanna discusses her story from a time when she was too young to understand there was a name for this kind of behavior.
“One time I can think of... is when I was hanging out with my cousin and his friend, and we were all watching a movie. I was in middle school at the time and my cousin and his friend were both in high school… all of a sudden, my cousin’s friend’s hand touch- or like, it kind of grazes up my leg. I pulled my leg back really fast and he just gave me this really creepy smile. I don’t know, I never told my cousin about it cause I’m pretty sure he would’ve beat him up haha but, yeah. I’m sure there’s other little things like that but that’s the one that comes to mind,” she said.
In order to prevent occurrences of sexual assault, a solution from Lilyanna was, “By not making it normal, and just saying ‘oh it’s just a guy being a guy’, like I did for a really long time.”
Additionally, she adds, “ I don’t know if it’s as big a problem here as it is in other campuses but if it happens to anyone, they totally should investigate it and not blame the victim.”
Savannah Sturdivant, Engineering major, 20
“Sexual assault would be, like when a person touches you inappropriately without permission and just, crosses that line,”
Savannah recognizes the problem of sexual assault as a more widespread issue, not limited to the university.
“...it’s just a problem that’s bigger than what happens at Texas State. There’s so many people and students, it should be up to everyone to make it better for the victims, not just the school,” she says
“I mean I’m sure I have seen it at parties and such, it’s just like there’s been a lot of times when I’ve had friends come up to me and just say that some guy is being gross or making them uncomfortable or something,”, Savannah says, recalling times she’s witnessed it in her friend circle.
A solution? “Probably stand up for them the next time that happens, and just always their back… you know let them know they’re not alone.”
Marisa Rivas, Psychology major, 20
Sexual assault would be defined by Marisa as, "any kind of touching without consent of that person."
Marisa has never experienced it for herself, only heard about it happen and sometimes hearing it about it happen to close friends.
"The best way to prevent sexual assault is to speak up, especially if you know or even feel like something is wrong," said Marisa.
Marisa believes that sexual assault is a problem everywhere and affects every school. She hopes that if a Texas State student were to sexually assault someone they would face punishment not only through law enforcement, but also through the university.
Chase Blount, Science major, 19
"I believe sexual assault to be any unwanted sexual contact," said Chase.
Chase knows sexual assault is a global issue that goes beyond the university level and that the first step is to talk about it.
"I've never experienced sexual assault, but I have male and female friends that have," said Chase.
In order to personally fight sexual assault Chase tries to always keep an eye out at parties or events and to stand up if something doesn't feel right.
Chase believes Texas State does a good job of trying to protect it's students, but more can always be done to help.
"The university, if it doesn't already, could offer a support group for victims of sexual assault," said Chase.
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