When I hear the words “sexual assault,” I can’t help but stomach the anger that develops inside me. When I hear the word “rape,” I can’t help but fight the chills that develop around my body.
I have recently gained the strength and knowledge to actively join the movement, on and off-campus, and many have asked me why. They ask, “Why are you focusing so much on sexual assault prevention, when there are so many other issues we need to focus on?”
Confused, I have tried to understand why people don’t recognize how harmful it is to be a survivor of interpersonal violence — how this is an issue that needs recognition. Do they not understand what the definition of “rape” is? Do they not understand the emotional and physical pain that is developed? Do they not understand the fear that exists in a survivor post-incident? Do they not understand that the pain inflicted upon these survivors is simply inhuman?
While there are many answers to these questions, I think something I have taken a special interest in is the misunderstanding between those who understand the pain, and those who don’t.
Empathy is one of the strongest qualities a person can have. It allows us to slip into somebody else’s shoes, even if it is just for a few minutes. It is what has allowed me to stand with survivors and try to understand what is going through their mind and body.
I have recognized that it is the lack of empathy that disbelievers hold that is one of the issues preventing them from understanding the true harm of sexual assault, and I think part of that comes from the late sexual education we are taught.
Starting from a young age, we learn that a few things are very bad: murder, theft, lying and drugs, but rape isn’t mentioned. As these ideals are taught in creative ways, between role playing, funky videos, children’s workshops and history lessons, kids are reminded of what they shouldn’t do.
Then, as sexual education begins in later adolescence, they begin to learn more about consent and what “rape” is, but because “sexual education” requirements still have so much flexibility, kids can continue to develop and explore their sexual lives without understanding consent, rape and the range that sexual assault touches.
While the physical wound of rape may go away, the emotional wound will last forever. If we shelter children from truly understanding the worst elements of society, then not only will statistics grow, but the disbelievers will never empathize with survivors, because in regards to rape, our society only teaches how harmful this is from experience.