It may only take one person to come forward for others to follow. In order to move forward, victims have to come forward.
First, we must understand that sexual assault happens. It is a crime. There is no excuse for abuse, and there should be no shame or blame placed on victims. The blame should lie on the abuser.
A victim is a victim, regardless of the situation. No judgment should be shown—only compassion. Many take blame and responsibility for what has happened to them during instances they had no say in or intentions of.
Photo Illustration by Brian Cantore / Photo Editor
We are here to tell everyone that it is never the victim’s fault. We must never assume that it is. How could we expect anyone in return to feel comfortable enough telling their stories?
Healing requires conversation. Without justice, violent acts continue. In order for justice to be upheld, discussion needs to happen. Having a difficult talk not only helps that individual, but breaks the chain of abuse for other victims.
Not only has the victim’s body been violated, but his or her faith also betrayed. There are resources out there. One should never feel that there is nowhere or no one to turn to, including Keene State College students.
Throughout the month of April, KSC has participated in Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The various events planned included Breaking the Silence: Sex Abuse & Trafficking, Take Back the Night March and Shout Out Against Sexual Assault. Lastly, Walk-A-Mile in her shoes concludes the mindfulness of the month. Although the campus events come to a close, our attention and support should remain.
Help is always around the corner — through 24-hour hotlines, the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention and the KSC Counseling Center. If you have been sexually assaulted it is important to go to a safe location. The more we break down the stigma that surrounds reporting abuse, the quicker we begin helping others and healing ourselves. We must listen to what they have to say, believe they are telling the truth, respect their feelings, remember it’s not their fault and recognize that person’s courage for sharing their story.
Sexual harassment can go unreported for a long time, as The Equinox reported in an earlier issue, “Voices end the silence,” covering allegations against former Night Owl Cafe manager Eugene “Gino” Vallante. Each submission to unwanted attention proves that we must enforce breaking the silence and justify this injustice.
Speak up, shout out, tell someone. It’s time to talk. Vow to help end sexual abuse. It’s not only crucial to tell someone, but it’s necessary to keep telling those around you until someone believes you. We choose to believe, even if no one else will listen. Many times, abuse can be swept under the rug and disregarded in family households.
Listen and pick up on the signs—we must not let victims go unnoticed. Everyone deserves to feel safe, to feel free from pain and free from terror. We must not let those who abuse win. Everyone needs to play a role in preventing violence.
Shout out for every woman and man that has ever been sexually abused. Shout out for those who have been hurt but continue to fight instead of giving up. Walk a mile in her shoes, walk a mile in his shoes, be considerate and acknowledge that these are stories that need to be heard. Do as much as you can to protect yourself. Be aware and careful of who you trust and be conscious of your surroundings. People should not be cast as victims of sexual abuse, but recognized as survivors of sexual abuse.