In her letter Friday, Ms. Breck disputes the veracity of the assault on 13 females while simultaneously blaming these women for the actions of one drunken and obviously disturbed man. Unfortunately, the notion of blaming the victim in sexual assault cases is not uncommon.

Unlike in other crimes, women (or men) who have been sexually assaulted are often accused of "asking for it," "encouraging it," or at the very least of not preventing it. Such is the theme of Ms. Breck's letter.

Admittedly, I am outraged and disappointed in this adherence to a societal conviction that continues to blame victims of sexual assault.

But to truly interrupt the epidemic of sexual assault, we need to focus on the assumptions, beliefs and systems that enable this pattern of victim-blaming. Recommending that women walk with a buddy at night, carry pepper spray, take a self-defense class or lock their dorm rooms is not sufficient. If possible, we could wrap ourselves in armor to attend class and walk around town, but rape would still occur.

Blaming women for our inability to defend ourselves against sexual attackers is inappropriate and unacceptable. Instead, let us examine how we socialize our children to value another person's property, integrity and right to personal safety.

Let us make sure that each and every student on campus and off has a clear understanding of the concept of consent.

Let us raise awareness through events such as the rally on Old Main lawn

Friday afternoon to create a safe environment in which women ar able to report sexual assaults without being further victimized.

But above all, let us break the silence that implicity tolerates the routine attack on women -- these women who are our sisters, mothers, daughters, girlfriends and teacher.