One in 5 women and 1 in 20 men will be a victim of sexual violence in their lifetimes (CDC, 2012). This means that each one of us knows, or is, a survivor of sexual violence or manipulation. you should be thinking about sexual victimization as a topic that is personally relevant to everyone. You should also be thinking of yourself as an active member of society, with the power to create change. Each one of us has a platform of some sort from which to make an impact (we all have social circles, most of us use social media, we are part of clubs and committees and groups… each of these gives us an audience and some influence). Although no single individual can make sweeping societal changes all alone, each of us can examine what our role might be in shifting cultural attitudes about sex and violence. Although our own personal efforts may not individually change society, each effort we put forth sends a message to counter the pervasive messages of violence and apathy that are sent by the media and an uninvolved culture. If each one of us who was, or knows, or doesn’t want to be a victim of sexual assault speaks up as a voice of change in whatever way our own abilities and opportunities allow, we will make a difference. 

You are asked to think of one thing that you can do to raise awareness of sexual assault, decrease permissiveness about violence, and respond to a culture that overlooks and excuses rape. This may be a very personal action that you take for yourself, or it may be a message you share with others. 

Please note: any response that ignorantly or “ironically” blames the victim, endorses, or otherwise
excuses sexual assault (e.g. “Tell girls not to wear short skirts”) will earn 0 points.

You may write a few paragraphs, outlining the action you plan to take.