Is this really an issue?

Centering of Self

Being a woman, currently at a higher education institution, I acknowledge that I have many privileges that some women or people will never have in their lifetime. I also acknowledge that society is in a constant state of transformation, therefore the role of women is always changing. Higher Education can be a catalyst for positive change and growth, especially for women in society, because universities are places for research, learning and exploration. However, many college campuses are plagued with a culture practiced by both men and women alike, perpetuating dangerous behaviors and inhibiting positive change for society as a whole. This is why I have identified sexual assault on college campuses, particularly at Miami, as an issue that I find important to focus on in this exhibit.

The Numbers

Sexual assault is a common issue on many college campuses nationwide, however there is still stigma around discussion of the topic. Among multiple other reasons, stigma makes sexual assault a difficult subject to quantify. In addition, many prevalence rates vary because there are so many different methodological ways in assessing these rates. For example, in 1996 the United States Department of Justice through the National College Women Sexual Victimization study accounted for 3% of women* who would experience sexual assault while attending college. One study done in 2009 found that 19% of college women have experienced attempted and/or completed sexual assault. When that study was limited to only college seniors, the percentage rose to 26.3%. While methodology does matter, the common discrepancies that are seen all lead to the same conclusion. Sexual assault happens and it commonly goes unreported. In fact, a 2014 study found that 20% of all rape is reported by students compared to 32% by non students.

Rape Culture

These prevalence rates, lack of awareness and stigma associated with reporting add up to a dangerous culture at Miami. Rape culture is a term used to describe an environment where rape is prevalent, normalized and ignored. I argue that a rape culture exists at Miami because the student body has not worked with agency to stop perpetrators and future assaults. While Miami’s administration, faculty, staff and students have taken measures to aid in curbing assault towards students, I believe that a key piece is missing across trainings, programs and events. I argue that survivor support is not at the center of programming and training. By survivor support I mean a focus on how to best serve someone who is a survivor/victim of interpersonal violence. In “A Glimpse at Miami University Today” you can find current resources available to students as well as my interpretation of the resources.