Free Essay

Sexual Assault Mtsu

In:

Submitted By NattyMinaj
Words 1001
Pages 5
!

After an evening class, walking to a car that is on or off campus at night can be a little

spooky. There will always be that “what if” voice unraveling scenarios in your head. Since classes have resumed for the school year of 2014, Middle Tennessee State University has had six sexual assault cases reported; that is more than its entirety last year. We have been in session for eight weeks; that is almost one sexual assault per week. Granted, that could be a result of the campaigns MTSU has been advertising. The posters motivate victims to speak up about an assault. Sexual assault is the most unreported crime at MTSU, according to campus police.
Nevertheless, our campaign preventions should not be about the victim speaking up— there should be no victims; our preventions should be geared towards the offender. This is one of the biggest issues at MTSU. A student should feel safe at the university he/she will spend the next four years of their promising life at.
A sexual assault report was filed the first day of school. As freshman, we don’t even know our way around campus yet, where all the closer parking spots are yet, and there is already a report filed? That is demoralizing. Middle Tennessee State University has the qualities to be one of the top universities in Tennessee. However, that will never happen if the crime rate, not only in sexual assaults, but in general does not go down. First impressions are everything. I remember the first time I visited this campus. My mom was talking to my dad on the phone about the town and MTSU as we got out of the car. This is when the issue was first brought to my attention. My dad informed us of a sexual violence report he saw while researching the school, it involved a MTSU football player and his girlfriend. I knew very little about the university, let alone college itself, and now I was being accosted with the prospect of sexual

violence? I put the disturbance in the back of my head as I toured the campus. After exploring the campus and learning more about it, I was enamored. It is a beautiful campus, it is filled with welcoming people, and provides inviting faculty— I saw no flaws, other than the recent incident my dad mentioned. For me, the supportive embodiment of the campus and the alluring ambiance outbalanced the sexual violence incident. Every college struggles with this issue. Having said that, throughout the school year the concern for my safety on campus has increased. I have found myself doubting my previous overlook of the sexual violence efflux. Also, the fact this we credit the recent increase of reports as a result of the campaigns—well, that is just off putting.
We should be focusing on getting those numbers lowered by more protection and enforcement and stopping it before it happens. We should not be campaigning for them to tell us that they are a victim. Once again, there should be no victims. Not only at Middle Tennessee
State University, but at universities all over along with everywhere else, sights get narrowed to the victim. Yes, we should care for the victim after the assault. However, we need to consider the source. The abuser is the source and the problem. Of course, it is easier to prompt a victim to speak up than it is to prevent an abuser from being violent. Despite that, if the proper coercion, discipline, and attitude is put forth, a change can be made. Victims battle with filing a report because of their social life's. They do not want their private life exploited, no one does.
Especially if it has to do with sexual violence. After a report is filed the victim’s privacy goes out the door, as does their confidence of their safety at MTSU. The abuser does not want their private life and accusations out in the open either. The difference is they deserve it. If the authorities are going to exploit anyone, exploit the abuser. One of my friends was recently a

victim in a stalker report at MTSU. The police put her face, her name, and her situation in the paper in addition to the school news. She felt violated. Her strict, southern parents accused her of “dressing like a whore” and concluded that to be the reason she was being stalked. Once again, the victim is looked at rather than the abuser. That is not the issue. The issue is the offender. The issue is the constant focus we put on the victims. After an assault everyone cares for the victims, makes sure they are okay, and subconsciously we get used the having the victim in mind. That should not be the case when it comes to solving the problem.
At first look, Middle Tennessee State University seems to be the perfect school. I honestly do not see how a potential student can visit MTSU for the first time and not immediately want to attend. It has all the right qualities and characteristics— from the outside.
When that potential student becomes a current student they are bound to find things that change their primal thoughts and views on the school. This issue is one that could cause a student to no longer attend MTSU or to not even consider it when they are applying as a high schooler. Safety on campus is not an issue to evade. Parents do not want to send their children to a campus where there is more sexual assaults than students on the weekend at MTSU. Students do not want to go to their night class anymore when there have been assaults the night before or on the route they walk to class. There are a million different ways to relieve the issue of sexual assault on campus.
Being content with the sole effort of campaigns for victims to speak up is not one of them.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Sociology

...Briana Williams Gender and Sexism Section 1 (Violence and Rape Culture) November 21, 2013 “Fraternities and Collegiate Response #2 Rape Culture” Quotation: “Sexually active men are positively, reinforced by being referred to as “studs,” where women who are sexually active report enjoying sex are derogatorily labeled as “sluts” (Herman 1954; O’Sullivan 1993). Argument: The author makes the argument that in society men having sex makes them more of a man, where when women in society have sex it makes them a “slut”, or a “whore.” Hearing this can make one sick. Society is all about labels whether it is what race you are, or even If you are just male or female. Questions: * Why is it such a crime if a women enjoys sex with her significant other, but for men it gives them a status of being a stud? * Where did the word slut come from, why did people choose names such as pussy, or douchbag for name calling? Application: For me this is hard to grasp. If a man has a one night stand with a girl at the party the next morning the guy gets greeted with cheers. But if a girl has a one night stand the next morning her friends greet her with a why would you hook up with a random guy you are a slut. Just like if a person is African American yeah there skin color is different than a white person, but that doesn’t make them different then a white person. They could have the same morals and same likes or interests as me. For me I hate how...

Words: 401 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Meaning of 5 Words

...The New’s tittle is “I don’t deserve to be raped” By the site: SMH The text says about a brazilian’s protest that started after a released research about sexual assault that shows over 65% of respondents agreed that ‘if dressed provocatively, women deserve to be attacked or raped’ In this text, I could find the 5 new words: - Widespread (Adj) - Extenuating (Adj) - Willingly (Adv) - Inflicted (verb) (inflict) - Naive (noun) How widespread is shown us in the text: “But most upsetting? 66.5% of the participants were women, proving how widespread the toxic nature of rape culture is.” How extenuating is shown us in the text: “the idea that rape has to be judged by the extenuating circumstances of the woman’s behaviour.” Means: When there is a circumstance that tends to lessen the severity of the crime. Other example: “The argument was that the previous legal system allowed this extenuating.” How willingly is shown us in the text: “and the possibility of having partners who sleep with them willingly.” Means: Willingly has the same mean from voluntarily, lief and readily. These words say about someone who does things just because they want to do them. Other example: My friend helped me willingly to do my homework. How inflicted is shown us in the text: “Most sexual assaults are inflicted by people known to the victim” Means: Inflict is cause or generate a kind of damage, discomfort or injury to someone. Other example: The people...

Words: 286 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Slike

...CLYDE CHARLES On March 12, 1981, the victim was walking on a road looking for help after her car blew out. A black man, Charles, walked up to her and threatened her, grabbed her by the neck, and dragged her to the side of some buildings. He pulled her hair, punched her in the face, choked her, and bit her. He then raped her. He repeatedly choked her and hit her head with a pipe. After, the victim ran away and was picked up by Deputy Domangue in a police car. Domangue said he had seen Charles an hour earlier and that later Charles was hitchhiking. The victim later identified Charles as the rapist when she was at Terrebonne General Hospital. The defense claimed that the victim was given the description of Charles before her identification. But, Clyde Charles was convicted of aggravated rape on June 22, 1982, and was sentenced to life in prison. The prosecution's evidence said a hair analyst discovered two hairs on Charles's shirt and testified that they were microscopically "similar" but not identical to hair from the victim's head. Domangue's testified that Charles was wearing a dark jogging jacket with white stripes when he first saw him (the victim testified that the rapist wore a dark jogging suit with stripes) and that Charles was wearing a red cap and blue jacket tied around his neck when he found him hitchhiking. The police found a red baseball hat and blue jean jacket near the scene and Charles had admitted that he had been wearing a blue jacket. After the...

Words: 340 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Alcohol

...Angelone, D. J., Mitchell, D. & Pilafova, A. (2007) Club drug use and intentionality in perceptions of rape victims. Sex Roles, 57, 283-292. This exploratory study investigated the influence of GHB use versus alcohol and intentionality on observer's feelings toward the victim and the perpetrator in a male-female rape scenario. The sample in this study consisted of 198 undergraduate students from a Northeastern college; the sample contained 130 females and was almost 80% Caucasian. The participants ranged in age from 18-48 but the mean was 19. Participants read one of four vignettes where a college female had attended a party and had ingested GHB or Everclear, a type of grain alcohol. In the different vignettes the female either ingested the substance voluntarily or was "slipped" the drug by a male, the vignette continued when the female became sleepy and the male brought her into his room and had sex with her, the victim attempted to verbally resist but felt too groggy to physically resist (Angelone, 2007, 286). The victim then reported the rape to police in the morning; the perpetrator claimed the sex was consensual. After the vignette participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire asking about victim and perpetrator culpability, victim pleasure, victim trauma, perpetrator guilt, and the likelihood the perpetrator will be found guilty (Angelone, 2007, 286). Overall the respondents found that the perpetrator was responsible for the crime, whether or not the victim chose...

Words: 1578 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Date Rape and Alcohol

...The effects of alcohol on date rape on college campuses Jessica Lynch Tarleton State University Abstract College is usually thought of as a time for pushing boundaries, experimenting, coming into ones own, learning, making new friends, learning to be independent, and becoming an adult. Unfortunately date rape has also become a part of the college experience. It is a life shattering reality of many college students. Date rape does not conform to the normal idea of rape. The perpetrator is usually an acquaintance and the rape takes place in a semi-public place, like a party or dorm room. Alcohol is almost always involved in date rape. Rape is never the victim’s fault but there are steps that can be taken to help prevent it. The effects of alcohol on date rape on college campuses College is supposed to be a time of learning, fun, making new friends, discovering one’s self, partying, and dating. Unfortunately, college becomes a nightmare for some women when partying and dating are combined. Date rape has become very common amongst university students. It is important to understand what date rape is, how alcohol affects the rapist and the victim in date rape, and how it can be prevented. What is date rape? Rape is usually thought of as something that happens to other people, done by a stranger in a dark alley or during a home invasion; however, that is not usually the case. In fact, forty-seven percent of rapists are a friend or acquaintance of the victim. According to the Federal...

Words: 1121 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Crime Against Women

...neighbour and his friends in Noida” These are some instances showing crime rate against women in National Capital Region. The Delhi-NCR region has thrown up numerous such instances of police apathy in rape cases. When asked to explain the rising instances of rape, the cops have invariably blamed the women, an array of extraneous factors or resorted to specious arguments instead of looking inwards and focusing on police reforms. The most disturbing aspect of this is the rank misogyny that underlies it. Crime against National Capital Region is alarming. Usually every day a single case of rape is reported in every city area of India. So it is wrong to say NCR alone. But The National Capital Region has become a hub for rapes and sexual assaults. In 2010, as many as 414 rape cases were reported in Delhi, the highest among 35 major cities in...

Words: 2029 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Prison Rape

...Will Prison Rape Ever End? By: CMRJ205 Rape and Sexual Assault Prison rape has been an issue that inmates have been dealing with for some time now. The guards do not take them serious when they claim that they’ve been raped, they put in for transfers and request to be placed in isolation but they are denied time after time. Some inmates even go as far as committing suicide just to avoid being raped repeatedly by other inmates and, sometimes, guards. There has to be something that can be done to help avoid situations like these. Although, it may take some time, money, and people that actually care and listen to the inmates, prison rape can decrease. The first thing that needs to be addressed is defining rape in a prison. Anyone can claim to be raped but a clear definition needs to be set in to deter inmates from claiming something just to be separated from others or to get others in trouble. However, there are a lot of inmates that deal with the rape to protect themselves. The person raping them will threaten them with harming them or even killing them if they say anything. Women’s prisons are easy access for guards to rape female inmates. They can threaten them with putting them in the hole for weeks or beating them in the middle of the night while no one is around if they rat them out. If there were more trusted guards maybe female prisons would have less victims being raped while incarcerated. Better prison employees would help cut down the amount...

Words: 982 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

My Complaint

...Topic: Peace Corps Enlarge This Image Philip Scott Andrews/The New York Times From left, Kate Finn, Meg Long and Casey Frazee of First Response Action, an advocacy group for former volunteers. Readers' Comments Share your thoughts. Post a Comment » Read All Comments (17) » When she returned to the United States, the reception she received from Peace Corps officials was as devastating, she said, as the rape itself. In Bangladesh, she had been given scant medical care; in Washington, a counselor implied that she was to blame for the attack. For years she kept quiet, feeling “ashamed and embarrassed and guilty.” Today, Ms. Smochek is among a growing group of former Peace Corps volunteers who are speaking out about their sexual assaults, prompting scrutiny from Congress and a pledge from the agency for reform. In going public, they are exposing an ugly sliver of life in the Peace Corps: the dangers that volunteers face in far-flung corners of the world and the inconsistent — and, some say, callous — treatment they receive when they become crime victims. “These women are alone in many cases, and they’re in rough parts of the world,” said Representative Ted Poe,...

Words: 820 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Article Rebuttal

...Date Rape and Sexual Aggression in Dating Situations This study was conducted to access the risk factors for date rape in male against female sexual aggressions in dating situations. The risk factors were established by several different things which included how often one dated and how often she was uncomfortable during the date or how often sexual aggression took place during a date. Linton and Muehlenhard compare the dates of people who had come into contact with sexual aggression versus those who have not come into contact with sexual aggression while on a date. They also compared “attitudes of people who had versus people who had not been involved in sexual aggression.” The study that Linton and Muehlenhard conducted shows that over half of the people who participated in the questionnaires had infact been involved with some form of sexual aggression. The study also showed that less than 10% had been involved with unwanted sexual acts while on a date. The authors state that “variables that appear to be risk factors are the man’s initiating the date, paying all the expenses, and driving; miscommunication about sex, heavy alcohol or drug use; “parking”; and men’s acceptance of the traditional sex roles. Often times in situations involving date rape, the amount of time in which the two have known each other don’t seem to play an important role in date rape or sexual aggression. The authors in this study were trying to show the importance of certain risk factors that...

Words: 681 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

My Proposal

...The Scarlet “R” Preface, we live in a world full of brainless and selfish idiots who dare to walk around the Earth with their despicable and heart-wrenching secrets. From their exterior, they’re perceived as a completely innocent individual that everyone adores or even enjoys to associate with these megalomaniac buffoons. Any human with common sense should know that “consent” is an essential factor that should be considered in any two-party decisions. When a person is forcefully engaged in an unwanted sexual act that is sexual harassment or rape depending on the circumstance. Statistically, 68% of sexual assaults are not reported since 2010. Who knows if those percentages are higher than the average? The funny thing is that we will never know because no one cares in our society! Specifically, let’s talk about rape victims. The definition of rape according to the Oxford dictionary is, “The crime, typically committed by a man, of forcing another person to have sexual intercourse with the offender against their will”. There we have it folks, a definition to engrave in your growing brains. Knowledge is power! Once a rape case is filed, it is automatically assumed that the victim is to blame. Of course, being held against your will is definitely the victim’s fault, right? What about the perpetrator? Is he/she also against their will to put another human against theirs as well? Forget it, it’s most definitely not the perpetrator’s fault. You may ask, “Oh no, how are we capable...

Words: 1023 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Term Papaer

...High School Violence Prevention Pre–Survey School: Age:________ Grade: _____ Gender _____ A. Read each statement and decide… Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree 1. Any healthy woman can successfully resist a sexual assault if she really wants to. 2. If I saw someone at school being threatened by their boyfriend/ girlfriend, I would…..Do nothing because it is none of my business. 3. Guys should not let it show when their feelings are hurt. 4. I can respect a guy that backs down from a fight. 5. I would be friends with a guy who is gay. 6. If someone is drinking or has taken drugs, they can consent to sex 7. If someone says no to sex, it is okay to pressure them. 8. Intoxicated women are usually willing to have sex. 9. It is okay to send suggestive pictures and/or text messages. 10. It is ridiculous for a woman to play football and for a man to be a cheerleader. 11. It’s important for a guy to act like nothing is wrong, even when something is bothering him. 12. It’s OK for a guy to say no to sex. 13. Only girls who are easy are sexually assaulted. 14. Swearing and obscene language are more offensive when spoken by a woman than a man. 15. If I saw someone at school being threatened by their boyfriend/ girlfriend, I would…..Tell an adult who I thought would help. 16. If I saw someone at school being threatened by their...

Words: 350 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Sexual Assault

...This essay will examine the topic of sexual assault on University campus. Firstly, the legal definition of sexual assault is that it is an offense to knowingly cause another person to engage in an unwanted sexual act by force or threat. This essay will examine the sociological research conducted on the topic of sexual assault on University campus, and there have been a number of identified reasons in being sexually assaulted. Reasons that were discovered include the way an individual presented themselves, the intake or abuse of alcohol, and being placed in an abusive relationship. Furthermore, researchers have investigated these topics and discovered the need for programs to help victims of sexual assault due to the long- term effects it has on an individual. With the initiation of these programs, the hope is to help victims move forward in their lives. The articles that were discovered and expressed these three main points about sexual assault on University campus, the main general question was why? Why was this being done and why were the reported incidences so high for women as opposed to men? Researchers gathered victims of sexual assault on University campus as well as victims of sexual assault not necessarily on a University campus. A theory was proposed called the Routine Activities Theory. This theory portrayed that the reason this act was done to females was because of the way they dressed, the types of social gatherings they went to and what they did...

Words: 436 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Corruption Of Rape In The United States

...No.”, a girl says, pleading to the man to stop. He continues on, scarring the girl and making her fear for her life. She tries to push away, but it is not enough. The man replies by saying, “Oh stop it. I know you like it.”, but in reality, the victim doesn’t. The scenario above is the all too common situation of rape. It is defined as “sexual activity that one does not agree to”. In society and court today, there is a blurred line between what is considered rape and what is not. Men and women struggle to speak out, because they know they will be dismissed in court. Rape is a major issue in today’s society. It goes against traditional norms, morals, and self-respect in general. One should not be disgusted by their body because of what someone...

Words: 499 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

High School Girl Victim Analysis

...I feel like this is from the perspective of a victimized high school girl. I guarantee once you’ve been “touched without permission”, you look at things a different way. This piece is speaking on how perspective differs between a sexually assaulted victim and a non-assaulted person. This victim looks at things completely differently. Maybe Jeff was her attacker and that’s why she specifically mentions his name and actions. I can speak from a personal perspective that having to live everyday seeing your attacker is emotionally draining, and terrifying, especially not being able to say anything out of fear. Although in my case, it wasn’t a high school kid living like high school kids do in the “modern” society. In the “modern” society, it’s a...

Words: 368 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Male Sexual Assault Victimology

...Male Sexual Assault Victimology Sexual assault is a traumatic event that can happen to anybody causing long term effect on the individual. Most studies focus on female victimization, while there is little information regarding on an adult male victim of sexual assault. Society portrays male rape as a taboo or improbable because of the stereotype of males.This research paper would focus on the misconception of male sexual assault and if the victim seeks or provided aid. Male victim’s sexual orientation and offenders’ gender should not be a factor of avoiding the acceptance of male sexual assault victims. Male victims are less likely to report sexual assault than female victims. Many believe that they should have been strong enough to fight...

Words: 353 - Pages: 2