Friday’s Rock Against Rape concert, sponsored by Sigma Phi Epsilon, marked the 10th year anniversary of the event, which benefits Spruce Run and Rape Response Services. These two organizations spread awareness and offer various help and educational services in an effort to prevent domestic and sexual violence.

With multiple ongoing allegations of domestic abuse looming against members of the National Football League, as well as against a member of the U.S. soccer team, this year’s event serves to localize an issue that has become increasingly pervasive on a national stage.

According to Rape Response Services, roughly 13,000 Mainers annually are the victims of rape or unwanted sexual activity annually. In 2011, 86 percent  of victims who called sexual assault helplines were women and 13.5 percent were men. Clearly, this is an issue that should concern everyone because anyone can be a victim of assault, whether domestic or sexual.

Given the prevalence of party culture at the University of Maine, and the myriad unpleasant situations that can arise as a result of the behavior that accompanies it, this topic is of particular importance. Especially when excessive alcohol consumption is involved, inappropriate conduct, resulting in assault of various sorts, becomes a much stronger possibility.

Individuals who find themselves the victims of assault, or who have perpetrated an assault and want to empower themselves and change their behavior need to be aware that organizations like Spruce Run and Rape Response Services exist. Many victims of assault fear the consequences of speaking out and do not want to involve law authorities.

Hotlines like those run by Spruce Run and Rape Response Services provide a fear-free environment for assault victims to seek help. They also provide other important services, such as shelter services and support groups. Education, which can increase the general populace’s awareness of patterns of violence and hopefully reduce future instances of assault, is also an important project that these organizations undertake.

Events such as Rock Against Rape make these serious issues much more accessible. They create a nonthreatening atmosphere to introduce and further a dialogue about a serious issue that can threaten the mental and physical well-being of all those involved in instances of assault. Fear of reprisal or judgment or ignorance can drive people to silence, and sexual and domestic assault are far too significant an issue to allow fear to stymie conversation.

UMaine is bound by federal law to independently investigate all allegations of sexual harassment or assault and punish those responsible. Most often, these investigations do not result in serious consequences. Between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2014, 38 students found guilty of stalking, harassment, sexual abuse, physical intimidation or assault were penalized only by suspension. Fear of reprisal can lead to failure to report. Lenient punishments only contribute to a culture of silence that makes sexual and domestic assault worse.

The implications of this are grave. Independent organizations, such as Spruce Run and Rape Response Services, are held to more lenient standards when it comes to reporting abuse to authorities. This hurdle can be a significant factor in victims reporting abuse. Events such as Rock Against Rape, which raise awareness to options victims have, are therefore incredibly important.