Telling the Story: Sexual Assault on College Campuses

We've done our research. 23% of collegiate women have experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact (anything from kissing to rape). Nearly 11% of that unwanted contact includes penetration or oral sex.

We want to show you the stories of women who have gone through the emotional ordeal of sexual assault and have persevered through it.

https://storify.com/schnipkee/the-faces-and-lives-of-survivors

Your "likes" don't mean shit

After switching my major to communication, media and it's use has become much more clear to me.
Everywhere you look, there is a reference to a social media platform.  Even the nightly news asks for your option via twitter. "Generation Like" brought up a good example pertaining to how retweets, likes, and followers transcribe into currency.  Today's generation is too invested in social media and their appearance on social media.  We have shied away from posting things that spark our interest and have become more aware of other's interests. Everything that is posted is in hopes of getting likes and the more likes you receive, the better you feel.
It seems that personality on the social media spectrum of the web is slowly dying. Media influences are becoming stronger and it is evident that today's generation is picking up the hints they are placing down.

Generation like impression

I already do not use social media much and after watching this documentary I feel like leaving even more social media behind.   It makes me feel even more stupid to be a part of a world where people do dumb things on the internet and make obtain power for it.  I propose a new option.  We should leave behind the world we all know and move to the mountains.  Well not everyone because I want to be away.  Everyone else should do what they do and I will move to the mountains with me and my puppy and we will not have to see anyone.  But getting off topic.  Good for the ad company and brands for getting basically free advertising off the goobers that don't understand they are just a pawn in the brands' game.  I feel like maybe I will be left behind when all the dweebs caught up in social media keep using, but I will probably be happier by myself there.  My dog will be with me too.

What Does It Mean to be a Part of "Generation Like"?

Advances in technology up until now have made tremendous strides for the better. Whether this be in terms of medical technology or terms of communication, I can honestly say I think it helps for the most part in every aspect of our lives. It has never been easier to communicate with any of your friends from different parts of the world. Sure, there may be some issues with the way social media has affected the younger generations, but that can also be counteracted by the good it brings.

As someone who can be considered a part of this "Generation Like", I think that the problems shown in the video can be looked at on a case to case basis, especially when it comes to how people think that they have to prove their self-worth through social media. I don't think it can solely be based on social media alone, but there's a bigger problem at large that needs to be fixed when people start to think that way.

The way I see it is this: social media is a what you want to make it. If you want it to be a professional only account that you can use for going into job interviews and such, make it that and post like that. If you want it to be for your closest friends only, talk to them and post to them. If you want it to be some sort of public diary where you're looking to gain followers, write what you will and hope that you're heard.

Social media can be what you want it to be. Do as you wish with it. You don't have to be a part of "Generation Like".

My Impressions of "Generation Like" - Emily Schnipke

I would define social media as the ability to interact with others across a media platform and being able to transform that platform into what you need. Anyone and everyone can become a consumer of social media. If you are involved with any sort of Internet site, you are prey to marketing techniques, even if you don’t realize it. The social media marketer is the company trying to spread their brand to the consumers. Everyone participates in social media to serve a purpose. Every tweet and post is made to make them shine in a positive light. I would trust the messages on social media of people more than brands, but only because it has a picture of their face. I would much rather try out the brands for myself than trust a brand or the celebrity endorsement.

All media is geared towards some sort of message (nothing is unbiased). People are consuming media without thinking of who or what is endorsing. Companies and brands place their products in videos and pictures and pay those people with millions of followers to promote those products. The more clicks you get, the more willing brands are to sponsor you and/or pay you in merchandise or actual money. Currency in social media is the amount of followers and friends you have on those sites. The more you have, the more your message can be spread. Sometimes, the consumer and the marketer are the same person. Social media marketing relies on the transfer of information through the consumer. Brand integration is the endorsement of a product, whether directly or indirectly, by a social media enthusiast/brand. Consumers see the brand used or discussed on social media and purchase it to become more similar to their idol. Serendipity by design is a real thing and is done to create the illusion of real serendipity.

Sexual Assault: What We All Need to Know

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of forced and unwanted sexual activity, including kissing, exhibitionism, groping, and rape. Victims might be coerced into sexual acts through verbal or non-verbal threats or through the use of substances, such as alcohol or drugs. Sexual assault doesn’t always involve physical contact – acts such as voyeurism and exhibitionism can still count as unwanted sexual attention. Many victims know their assailant or rapist. Approximately two out of three sexual assaults are committed by an attacker that the victim knows, according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). About 38% of rape incidents are committed by a friend or acquaintance of the victim. These trends are reinforced by Department of Justice (DOJ) statistics shown below, revealing that most attacks are perpetrated by someone close to or known by the victim.

Recognizing Abuse

College provides an environment for many students to explore intimate relationships with casual partners or serious relationships. In the confines of these relationships, however, inexperienced partners may not have the tools and experience needed to identify troubling behaviors. The earliest expressions of abuse aren’t always physical. Controlling habits can begin with manipulative comments or angry outbursts either in-person or over phone, text or social media. It is extremely important for young adults to be able to recognize warning signs of a problematic relationship, before an abusive situation escalates. The most common indicators of high-risk emotional or physical abuse are below:

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Tone: Seemingly harmless statements can transform into threats or insults if your partner uses a disparaging or aggressive tone. Language choice: A partner blames you for things or uses coarse language, such as swear words, while speaking to you. Jealousy: Your partner seems suspicious of your interactions with other people. Your partner attempts to control your interactions, isolate you, or monitor your communications with others. Controlling statements: Your partner issues commands or often says you “must” or “have to” do something. Pejorative language: Your partner addresses or describes you with insulting names or adjectives, such as “stupid” or “idiotic.” Threats: Your partner attempts to control you with “or else” statements or negative consequences if you don’t comply with their wishes. Your partner might threaten you with physical, emotional, or verbal abuse.

PHYSICAL ABUSE

Violence: Your partner uses unwanted and forceful contact. This can include anything from wrist grabs to strikes against your body. Threatening body language: Your partner uses forceful movements, such as lunging toward you, glaring at your, or aggressively invading your personal space. Damaging property: Your partner has lost their temper and damaged items around the house, such as smashing dishes. Violence during sex: Your partner is extremely forceful or even violent during sex.

ASSAULT PREVENTION IN RELATIONSHIPS

If you’ve identified that your partner exhibits the controlling or aggressive behaviors listed above and you are too afraid to bring these issues up safely within your relationship, it’s time to get help. Victims often realize the dangers of their situation after it’s too late; the dynamic between the abuser and abused is strategically created to discourage the victims to acknowledge or address the problem. Intimate partner abuse and violence is never okay. It is more common than you may think and it is wholly within your power and your rights to get out safely. Contact a support line: If you’re unsure how to get away from an abusive partner, contact a support hotline for assistance. Love Is Respect and the National Domestic Abuse Hotline both provide 24/7 phone assistance. Try not to blame yourself: Self-blame is extremely common in abusive relationships. It can be easy to feel trapped in your situation. However, your partner’s abusive actions are absolutely not your fault or a sign of weakness on your part. Keep this in mind as you seek help. List safe places: Know where you can go in case you need to get away from an abusive partner. This might include a campus counseling center, a trusted friends’ dorm room, a survivors’ shelter, or a residence hall staff office. Document hostile communications: It can be emotionally painful to save threatening messages that your partner sends. However, voice messages, emails, IMs, and other hostile communications can be immensely useful to demonstrate a history of assault when you speak with counselors or authorities. Get counseling: Virtually all college campuses have on-site counselors who are trained to help with relationship assault and domestic violence. If you can’t find a way to contact a campus counselor directly, ask a residence advisor, professor, or academic advisor to help you explore these resources. Call the police: If you are being threatened with assault, attempt to reach a safe place and call the police immediately. After an Assault Unwanted sexual activity can take an immeasurable toll on the victim’s physical and mental health. According to the Student Health Services department at the University of South Carolina, only 25-50% of survivors seek professional mental health help after a sexual assault. The emotional and physical scars of an assault can deeply impact a student’s ability to cope with academic, social, and personal responsibilities. While asking for help may feel unbearable, you must take action to ensure your safety.

AFTER AN ASSAULT: IMMEDIATE STEPS

Get to a safe place: Get away from your assailant to a location where you can call for help. Ideally, find a secure place where you aren’t alone. This can include a campus health center, or the home of a nearby friend or family member. Contact the authorities: Call 911 to report the incident right away. Provide the dispatcher with the time, place, and description of your assailant. Wait for the police to arrive so that they can collect your statement. Get medical attention: Even if you do not feel like you need to, seek medical attention at a doctor’s office, urgent care clinic or a hospital as soon as possible. Doctors can help collect vital evidence and treat your injuries directly after an assault. These are some of the specialized care options to ask for: Advocacy: RAINN suggests calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline to request hospital referrals and check for the availability of an emergency advocate, who can help you through the medical examination. Sexual Assault Nurse / Forensic Examiner (SANE or SAFE): These professionals are trained to conduct victim examinations, document injuries, and collect DNA evidence that can prove useful in identifying an assailant. Potential evidence includes hair, skin, and bodily fluid samples. Emergency Contraception: Victims can prevent the risk of pregnancy by taking Plan B up to 120 hours after an attack. STD Testing: Get screened for possible infections that can be transmitted during unwanted sexual contact. To preserve evidence of threats or assault, RAINN advises victims to write down details about the attack and the attacker immediately. This information will help doctors, police and campus authorities do their utmost to help you in the hours and days after an attack. Do not change your clothes, shower, brush your teeth, or clean the scene of the crime until you can see a medical professional. If you think you may have been drugged, the federal Office of Women’s Health advises you to ask for a urinalysis during your examination.

AFTER AN ASSAULT: MOVING FORWARD

Make safe arrangements: If you live with an abusive partner, make arrangements with your dorm staff, a safe home, or friends to relocate to a new residence. To prevent future incidents, do not let your assailant know where you will be living. Seek counseling: Contact your campus health service office and inform them you need a crisis counselor who specializes in sexual assault. You can also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE to speak with a counselor over the phone immediately. File a civil protection order (CPO): If you know the identity of your assailant, you can pursue a protection order, also known as a restraining order. A court can order your attacker to stay away from you and not communicate with you. An assailant who violates a CPO can face criminal charges. The American Bar Association has put together a resource regarding Sexual Assault CPO procedures for all 50 states.

IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS ASSAULTED

Help the victim reach a safe location away from the assailant. Make the victim feel as safe and listened to as possible. Many victims blame themselves for an attack. Inform the victim that the sexual assault was not their fault. Be a supportive listener. Thank the victim for telling you about this. Avoid phrases that evoke powerlessness at first, including “I’m sorry.” If you saw the attacker or witnessed any part of the assault, take detailed notes regarding the incident. Accompany the victim to the hospital and ensure they meet with medical professionals who specialize in sexual assault trauma. Follow up with the victim. Encourage participation in counseling sessions and support groups. Watch the survivor’s emotional and physical status. According to The White House Council on Women and Girls, victims of sexual assault or rape are at higher risk for mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, eating disorders, or suicidal ideations.

AFTER AN ASSAULT: RECOVERY

Survivors often struggle with resuming their normal daily activities in the aftermath of a sexual assault. Work with your physicians, counselors, and instructors to take the appropriate time off from classes and other academic responsibilities and heal. Even after physical wounds heal, survivors suffer the risk of chronic emotional distress.The Mental Impact of Rape, a report by the Medical University of South Carolina, shows that compared to other victims, rape survivors are 6.2 times more likely to develop PTSD, 3 times more likely to have a major depressive episode, 26 times more likely to abuse drugs, and 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.

We Need More Help

To get straight to it, I don't think there are enough resources for victims of sexual assault. Or at least they aren't well known, which is also a problem.

Sexual assault is a serious issue and there are too many victims who don't come out for help because they are either scared or they don't know where to go for help. According to the RAINN website, or Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, about 68 percent of sexual assault cases are not reported each year. Granted this may be because the victims are scared or some other reasons, but there's is clearly a problem here.

Since our group is centralized in the Northwestern Ohio area, I have to talk about the University of Toledo really quick. Over the past year, they have tried to improve upon their Title IX policies since they had some troubles with it in previous years. I'll give them props for this because they've even hired staff dedicated to this kind of issue. The university also has its own Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program which offers:

• Confidential support and information for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.
• Accompaniment through the medical and legal process following an act of violence.
• Linkages to University and community services.
• Help with the medical and criminal justice systems.
• Information for friends and family members of survivors.
• Assistance and referrals for stalking, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence.

There are also other services offered to victims around this area which you can find here. By writing this post, I hope I may reach some victims who haven't been able to find the help they need yet and they might find something useful through this. Hopefully one day we can work together to stop sexual assault.

Roofies in my Pudding Pop

I can recall exactly where I was and what I was doing the moment I heard the first accusation that Bill Cosby had drugged and raped someone. I was sitting in bed and scrolling through twitter on my phone.  I immediately felt like breaking down and crying.  I did not however, I thought maybe it was someone lying to bad mouth him.

Bill Cosby was like a second father to me growing up.  He taught me life lessons and now I am not sure what to believe.  After more than 50 sexual assault accusations, all with shockingly similar stories, I'm starting to come around the idea that Bill Cosby may have actually assaulted some of these young ladies.  He has recently been arrested in Pennsylvania for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman back in 2004.  This could be relief for anyone he has ever assaulted.  I am sick of not knowing.  I just want the truth.

Why #ItsOnUs is a Hashtag you Should Know

Have you been on social media lately and seen the “It’s On Us” logo floating around?  I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t know what it stood for when I first saw it over my friends profile picture, but its popularity made me want to know.  After a quick Google search, I learned that in 2014 President Obama launched the campaign “It’s On Us” in efforts to end sexual assault on college campuses.  According to the White House’s webpage, “It’s On Us” asks everyone – men and women across America – to make a personal commitment to step off the sidelines and be part of the solution to campus sexual assault.”

With the creation of the campaign came a movement that flooded all social media platforms.  From Facebook to Snapchat, “It’s On Us” curated an opportunity for individuals to act on the subject and become a symbol of the movement. People who choose to "take the pledge" are taking the pledge

• To RECOGNIZE that non-consensual sex is sexual assault.*
• To IDENTIFY situations in which sexual assault may occur.*
• To INTERVENE in situations where consent has not or cannot be given.*
• To CREATE an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.* 

*itsonus.org

            Not only is “It’s On Us” on Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, but in 2015 they created multiple campaign videos featuring stars such as Zoe Saldana, Jon Hamm, Matt McGorry, and Kerry Washington.  

              These short commercials urge people to not only recognize problems associated with sexual assault such as lack of consent, but also the problem itself. 

As of today, 483 schools have hosted "It's On Us" events.  Campus organizations are using the non-profit as a gateway to end sexual assault.  Since the campaign was introduced, it has continually gained momentum.  With over 30.5k likes on Facebook, they're not slowing down any time soon.

I took the pledge, you should too.