Students speak up about sexual assault on campus
Students speak up about
sexual assault on campus
By Robert Rivera
SAN MARCOS,
Texas – Texas State students were interviewed on their thoughts/opinions on
sexual assault as it relates to the campus environment and college life on Oct.
29 – Nov. 1.
The
interviews were conducted by Texas State Media Writing students for an
assignment that required obtaining direct quotes and opinions from various sources
to discuss sexual assault.
“(Sexual assault
is) sexual acts exercised on involuntary individuals,” said Andrew Samples, a 22-year-old
male.
The
definition of sexual assault expressed by Samples tended to be the general idea
held by most students interviewed.
Although
most students have not personally been a victim to sexual assault, many showed
a similar resolve regarding punishments for those who commit the act.
(Ty Cervantes)
“Have better
presentations at Catcamp and/or orientation that don’t scare dudes into
committing sexual assault but frame the problem as it is and demonstrates it’s
an issue for the university as a whole,” said Ty Cervantes, a 23-year-old
graduate student.
But for
those that have faced sexual assault, coming forward to enact those punishments
proves difficult.
(photo by Tamara
Brown and Kyle Schofield; Jasmine Anderson)
“Only one
other person knows this happened, and I wish I had the power to prevent anyone
else from having to experience that feeling,” said Jasmine Anderson, a
24-year-old female Psychology Major.
According to
the Office on Women’s Health at womenshealth.gov, one in five college women
experience sexual assault and can face depression, anxiety and post traumatic
stress disorder due to the experience.
The students
that were interviewed expressed a desire to prevent and punish sexual assault
on campus and beyond.
It is
important that those who experience or see sexual assault speak up and contact the
police as soon as possible to prevent situations like Anderson’s from normalization
on or off campus.
If you or
anyone else you know have been a victim of sexual assault or seen any attempt
of assault, you can contact the University Police Department at (512)245-2890
or call 911.
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