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1 in 3 women are expected to have been sexually assaulted in their life. This statistic reflects the revolting environment women are forced to grow up in. Women are often shamed for wearing tight dresses, and are told cruel things such as, “You had it coming.” However, people don’t realize that men are the ones conducting actions that women have to suffer the consequences of. Sexual assault is an immense problem for women, and yet it is wrapped in stigma and judgement, and disregarded in public discussions and various environments.
Sexual assault is not addressed or given the attention it needs. Part of the reason is because of the stigma surrounding it. This is a problem that needs to be resolved considering that 1 in 3 women are being inflicted with sexual assault in their lives. People need to talk about the issue of sexual assault in schools, workplaces, and other public places more to ensure the safety of women.
In addition, people in schools and workplaces need to create healthy and educational environments to protect women against sexual assault. Educating people on the consequences of sexual assault would be the first step towards resolving the issue of sexual assault. Some actions everyone can take to prevent sexual violence are promoting social norms that protect women against violence, speaking out against sexual assault, knowing where and how to get help, and avoiding bystanding. If you see someone struggling from sexual violence, reach out and help them to the best of your ability.
Other ways to help out in preventing sexual violence include donating and getting involved in organizations such as RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN provides statistics on sexual violence and offers readers with survivor stories to encourage involvement in the anti-sexual assault movement. Volunteering for anti-sexual violence organizations such as RAINN is a great way to provide effort in altering the statistic of 1 in 3 women being sexually assaulted.
The consequences of sexual assault are often disregarded but need to be brought attention to considering women are significantly impacted by it. According to Villanova University, some of the possible consequences of being sexually assaulted are experiencing depression, trauma, shock or numbness, fear and anxiety, self blame and guilt, shame, loss of trust, relationship difficulties, a loss of control, academic problems, and physical problems. Some men also tend to take advantage of women in vulnerable situations propelling unwanted consequences such as the ones listed above.
In conclusion, 1 in 3 women are expected to have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime statistic sheds light on the harmful environments women are forced to grow up in. Sexual violence needs to be talked about openly to ensure the safety of women and schools and workplaces should be responsible for constructing healthy educational enviornments. Some effective ways of preventing sexual violence are volunteering and donating for anti-sexualviolence organizations. Sexual assault can permanently scar a person considering the serious aftereffects of it, and thus, efforts should be made to prevent it.
References
“Free Planned Giving Resource.” RAINN, www.rainn.org/.
“Sexual Assault.” Villanova University, www1.villanova.edu/university/student-life/health-services/health-wellness-resources/sexual-assault.html.
“Sexual Violence Is Preventable.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Apr. 2021, www.cdc.gov/injury/features/sexual-violence/index.html.