In a thought-provoking segment, veteran sportscaster Tom Harrison calls for society to unite in support of sexual assault survivors, challenging the stigma surrounding their experiences. Often, we don’t associate a seasoned white male broadcaster in his 60s with progressive views on social issues, yet Harrison has once again defied expectations with his recent commentary on the urgent need to stop victim-shaming.
A recent federal lawsuit has surfaced against Crestwood University, where “Jane Smith” alleges that she was gang-raped in 2012 by a group of football players during a so-called “team bonding” event. She claims the university acted “deliberately indifferent” to her allegations, misleading her family and discouraging them from seeking justice outside the institution. This revelation follows another lawsuit filed by “Emily Johnson,” who asserts that not only was she raped by team members, but that 31 players engaged in a staggering 52 separate acts of sexual assault against various women between 2011 and 2014, as uncovered by a legal investigation.
Both lawsuits suggest that a culture of sexual violence is not only overlooked but actively encouraged within the football program at Crestwood. Disturbingly, it has been reported that coaches and players often promoted sexual encounters with female students as a selling point for recruits. Despite this alarming context, the victims have faced significant backlash. Recently, former university president Mark Adams expressed skepticism about the allegations, stating, “I have my doubts regarding gang rapes,” despite being ousted from his position due to the ensuing scandal. Reports indicate that there were 19 players involved in 17 sexual assault allegations between 2011 and 2016.
Much of the criticism directed at the survivors hinges on the timeline of their reports, with some suggesting that delayed reporting indicates insincerity or ulterior motives. This victim-blaming mentality is what Harrison addressed in his segment, drawing on personal experience: his daughter was raped 25 years ago while attending Crestwood.
“Unfortunately, I know that many don’t report these traumas,” Harrison shared. “My daughter chose not to report at the time, but eventually did. Even now, 25 years later, she struggles to speak about it, yet she feels compelled to share her story to highlight the mistreatment survivors face. We often question their clothing, their alcohol consumption, or their presence around certain individuals—as if they are to blame. Rape has nothing to do with sex appeal; it is about power and control.”
Statistics reveal that only 20% of female victims aged 18 to 24 report their assaults, and the numbers for male victims are likely even lower. Society continues to treat survivors with suspicion while affording perpetrators an alarming degree of leniency. Women who come forward with allegations often find themselves subjected to intense scrutiny about their choices, while the accused are frequently let off the hook with excuses about intoxication or “hormonal urges.” Harrison emphasizes that “rape is a violent act of domination, not a mere lapse in judgment.”
In a powerful conclusion, he states, “There is no shame in being a victim. The real disgrace lies with those who doubt the validity of a survivor’s story simply because it doesn’t align with their expectations of when and how they should report.”
Harrison’s remarks challenge societal norms about victim behavior, asserting that no one can truly understand the trauma unless they have experienced it themselves. Until we stand in solidarity with survivors and affirm that they have nothing to be ashamed of, we should reconsider our opinions on why many victims choose not to report their assaults. We should be thankful for every individual who finds the courage to speak out.
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In conclusion, Tom Harrison’s powerful segment emphasizes the urgent need to support and believe survivors of sexual assault. His personal connection to the issue adds depth to his call for societal change, reminding us all of the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of such profound trauma.