After reading the April 5 column, “Sexual assault more prevalent than many assume,” I agree with the objective to educate our fellow students about how often rape and sexual assault occurs. But there is a need for further explanation on rape and sexual assault.
Yes, as women or as friends we should travel in packs to help protect each other. But what do you do when it’s not a stranger doing the assault?
A study shows that about 85 percent of rapes are committed by someone we know rather than a stranger (Muehlenhard 1997).
The reason this is more likely to go unreported is because women are less likely to consider it rape when comparing it to stranger rape. Due to this large significant number, everyone should be informed that the next predator could be a close friend.
There is also a lot of drama in court due to the fact that it is hard to prove and there seems to be other motives when claiming rape.
Also, the legal system is biased and supported by the perspectives of men (MacKinnon 1983).
Finally some women go through a process labeled as the “second rape,” where they are violated once more but in the hospital just to have physical proof that some sort of assault occurred.
The main thing that needs to change is the system in order for women, as well as men, to feel more comfortable reporting these acts.
I agree with the column, but friends shouldn’t just look out for each other at a strange place; they should also look out for each other in gatherings where harmless fun can lead to something else more serious.
Chantel Harley
junior - psychology
