The Hunting Ground Response-Lauren Doeff

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Lauren Doeff

The Hunting Ground Response
This is not a new issue. Unfortunately, sexual assault and rape have been present-especially on college campuses-for a long time. It is only now because of documentaries and the media that people are seeing a platform that is able to broadcast this issue, and it is inspiring others to do the same. The way to raise awareness is to keep the communication happening. Keep making documentaries, keep taking to social media to discuss it, keep having protests and rallies. The only way to have everyone take notice of an issue is to keep it present enough so no one forgets. Having these open lines of communication will also assist in addressing the stigma that is too often associated with sexual violence. The nation in general prefers to keep issues like these under wraps because it’s uncomfortable to talk about, or it’s bad press for a multitude of institutions, or any number of reasons that end up perpetuating a very dangerous culture for college campuses. Putting faces to the issue will also help gather support. This may entail people sharing their personal stories, through photo campaigns, interviews, etc, but it may also be just gathering the facts. Encouraging victims to report their assault and help gather accurate statistics will broadcast the issue on a larger scale. This includes addressing all victims, regardless of gender or sexuality. These assaults on college campuses happen to every group and identity, so addressing all survivors will draw attention to victims that might otherwise be ignored. Another facet of this is addressing the accused. There should be no more hiding them or protecting their reputation. If someone is a predator or has committed these crimes, they should be identified, if only for the safety of others if no legal action is taken. This is similar to the rhetoric and message from “The Hunting Ground” and other media outlets, including Lady Gaga’s “Until it Happens to You.” They focus on communication and bringing awareness to the issue. These videos show the reality of the situation, the true aftermath, even when it is uncomfortable to the viewer. That is how it should be. In order for society to amend for its shortcomings and make progress on this issue, there will be discomfort and blow back, but it is what is necessary to create change. On the other hand, the accused has no say in the matter. If they committed one of these crimes and created such a power imbalance during the assault, they don’t get to have power in the aftermath. By allowing them a voice, it is implied that people should be listening to their sides of the story, many of which include gaslighting, victim blaming, and even threats. The issue of sexual assault on college campuses has already blown up in recent history, and it is important to keep that momentum going to promote positive change. By stating vigilant in discussing the issue and keeping it at the front of America’s mind, progress will be a possibility.

But students and campuses are now fighting back. One of these organizations is Students Active For Ending Rape. Students Active For Ending Rape (SAFER) is a student  nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by Columbia University students. SAFER was founded soon after a successful policy change regarding the university’s sexual assault procedure. Their key objectives are to “combat sexual and interpersonal violence in campus communities.” SAFER is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, which means that they run on a volunteer basis and are exempt from federal taxes. It is organizations like this one that are becoming the trailblazers and the face of sexual assault on college campuses.

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