In college, I briefly volunteered at a rape crisis center, realizing that I lacked the emotional fortitude required to assist someone who had just endured such a traumatic experience. My instincts often led me to react with anger or tears, emotions that were not conducive to providing the calm support victims need.
Before starting, we underwent an intense six-week training program that exposed us to grim statistics: 1 in 6 women in the U.S. will face attempted or completed rape, a sexual assault occurs every 98 seconds, 70% of the time the perpetrator is known to the victim, and alarmingly, only 6 out of 1,000 sexual offenders ever face incarceration. These figures reflect only those who come forward; countless others remain silent.
During my time at the center, I accompanied more seasoned advocates to hospitals to assist victims. The daunting and complex process of seeking justice became evident. Many colleges offer advocacy and support programs for survivors of sexual assault, but despite these efforts, the conviction rates remain shockingly low.
Recently, the New York Times featured a poignant letter from a survivor addressing Betsy DeVos’s intention to revise the Obama administration’s guidelines on campus sexual assault. Contrary to what some may think, this is not a step forward. The previous guidelines, while not without flaws, provided crucial protections for victims, and DeVos’s actions threaten to erase these safeguards.
Last week, DeVos and the Department of Education officially rescinded these critical protections, making it even harder for survivors to receive the justice and support they desperately need. This regression raises a fundamental question: why are we moving backward?
Responses from advocates, like Mia Thompson, co-founder of a campus safety organization, underscore the implications of these changes. “DeVos and her team appear to prioritize the rights of the accused over the well-being of the victims,” she stated, highlighting a disturbing trend in policy-making.
The perspective of victims is paramount and often overlooked. A survivor’s recent letter, which I urge you to read here, sheds light on the complexities of navigating the aftermath of assault. She recounts her own experience of being violated after trusting someone who offered to walk her home while intoxicated. “I woke up with my clothes inside out, and a part of me died that night,” she wrote.
The unfortunate reality is that only 6 out of 1,000 assailants will face consequences for their actions. Education and support systems are vital, yet the survivor emphasized that she didn’t even understand at the time that a person who is incapacitated cannot give consent.
She poignantly noted a troubling trend: “It seems that both conservatives and mainstream liberals have abandoned concern for sexual assault to the far left. This moral blind spot is heartbreaking.” It is unfathomable that we need to advocate for the seriousness of sexual violence in our political discourse. With DeVos undermining protections for victims, the struggle for justice will only become more arduous.
In another powerful excerpt, the survivor expressed her frustration at being labeled a “bad victim” due to her drinking. “Many conservative men in my life won’t listen until I share my story. So here I am.” If this doesn’t motivate us to push for change, I’m not sure what will.
The narrative surrounding sexual assault needs to shift. There’s no such thing as a “bad victim.” We must distinguish between victims and perpetrators. Legislators must prioritize the rights and safety of survivors just as fervently as they defend the accused, or we risk leaving countless individuals in silence while offenders remain unpunished.
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In sum, the rollback of protections under DeVos is a significant regression for victims of campus sexual assault. The voices of survivors must be heard, and we must advocate for a justice system that truly supports them.