This is in response to something that occurred at the debate between the Independent Women's Club and Womyn's Concerns/FMLA.

First, I would like to say that I completely respect the right for a person to have his or her own opinion. Though I did not agree with the standpoints of the Independent Women's Club, I do respect their individual right to those views.

However, I did not respect the fact that a member of the panel felt the need to push her views upon a member of the audience, and in effect blame her for being sexually assaulted. It was very brave for that young woman to share her experience, and it really upset and angered me that the IWC member basically insinuated that it was her fault she was raped. Because the victim was intoxicated the night she was raped, the IWC member told her she had "acted irresponsibly" and in essence was blaming her. Furthermore, the last time I checked, rape was NOT a consequence of drinking.

I felt that the IWC woman was ignoring the fact that the assailant was the one really at fault. Victim blaming is probably one of the main reasons that only one in 10 rapes is reported. It is this type of attitude that silences the assaulted.

As for the young woman who shared her story with us, and all of the other courageous women who also shared that night -- it is not your fault no matter the circumstances. Do not let this attitude discourage you from speaking out.

It is your body, your personal property, and no one has the right to violate that.