Consent is sexy, sexual assault's a crime

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Written by Shelly Merry

Sexual assault statistics on campuses can be frightening, especially when the under-reporting of such crimes is taken into account.

Due to myths centered around gendered biases and stereotypes, many victims of sexual violence are made to feel ashamed for what has happened to them. This shame prevents these individuals from reporting the crime and receiving the resources they need and deserve.

One myth regarding sexual assault is the idea that women are always the victims and men the aggressors. Though numbers may indicate so, it is important to recognize that stigmas surrounding masculinity prevent many male victims from stepping forward.. (And yes, men are often victims of sexual crimes.) This skews the statistics, creates underreporting, and ultimately restricts the resources available for victims of sexual assault.

At Portland State, the Women’s Resource Center and the Queer Resource Center are working to inform the student body that sexual assault happens to all genders and in all types of relationships. Gender should not stand in the way of receiving support and resources for healing.

Another myth is that the victim did something to deserve the assault. It must be known that regardless of drug or alcohol use, clothing or demeanor, the victim is never responsible. Sexual assault would not be an issue if it weren’t for the offenders.

That which determines sexual assault is based on consent. “Sexual Assault exists when there is no interest in mutuality, consent or concern by one person for the other,” according to the Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force. Furthermore, “Consent is a “yes” that is freely given, when the option of a “no” is present and viable,” explains the University of Oregon’s Sexual Wellness Advocacy Team. It is also important to remember that sexual intimacy occurs on a continuum (see image). Consent for one sexual activity does not imply consent for anything else. Keep in mind that consent and open communication makes sex sexier, and helps to make the experience much more pleasurable for everyone.

Comments

ChipSharde

it would be good to know actual statistics at Portland state University. Is this article because there's a significant risk at that school? How does the risk at PSU compare to others?

Thursday 12 November 2009, 10:00

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