The worst crime in the world isn’t murder, it’s rape.
To many, sexual assault is considered “normal.” When talking about it, it often gets disregarded as if it’s not important. People treat rapists as just normal people. There’s a person named Sunil Thakkar, a popular Indian radio station host. Long story short, he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl – he was 51 years old at the time.
After the incident, he went straight back to work like nothing happened. He only went to jail for 10 days. Why should the girl get damaged for life, and he’s only incarcerated for 10 days? He is someone I consider inhumane. People like him, people who have so much power, are the reason victims don’t speak up.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience sexual violence at least once in their life. Over 50% of victims are under the age of 18, and 15% of victims are under the age of 12. The worst part of it all is that only 37% of sexual assaults are reported to the police. Many choose not to report due to distrust in the justice system, or shame. The thing is, people shouldn’t feel shame. No matter the situation, victims need to realize that they never “asked for it.”
This is what is going to keep on happening if we don’t speak up. The cycle of silence will continue on for generations to come. This is why it is so important to talk about sexual assault, to educate others. We need to teach new generations not to make the same mistakes as the ones before.
We as a society should break the stigma around sexual assault.
Speaking about this topic will make victims feel more comfortable talking about what happened to them. Speaking up about their experience will help victims heal, it’ll make them feel as if they are not alone, because in reality, they aren’t. The truth is, no one ever truly heals from sexual assault. No matter how long it’s been, the minute they hear a familiar name, smell a familiar scent, or even recognize a familiar face, they’ll be taken back to the most painful moments in their life. Studies show that only 50% of victims go to therapy. Many don’t because they feel shame, which is ironic because it is so common.
Speaking up will save countless lives. About 33% of rape victims contemplated suicide at least once. It’s not just suicide, but other mental illnesses as well. Depression, loss of self-worth, PTSD, self-harm, and so much more are things victims of sexual assault experience. Since the Roe v. Wade decision was overturned, if the rape results in pregnancy, women are forced to carry the child in some states. They don’t know how to deal with the pain, so they develop mental health issues and cope with their trauma in a harmful way. They feel like they don’t have a voice, so they inflict pain on themselves to make their voice feel heard.
Speaking up will make the world a better place. If we never speak up, nothing will happen and the assailant will never have to face the consequences of their actions. Our justice system isn’t perfect, but if we speak up, we can all collectively fix their flaws. Once others see what the consequences are for hurting someone so deeply, they’ll think twice before hurting someone themselves.
It may be hard to say something at first, but it is worth it. Yes, people are going to look at you differently after what happened is out in the open. Yes, people are going to talk behind your back, say that you’re being too dramatic and that you should “just forget about it.” That you just made it up, or you’re “overthinking it.” But if you believe you’re strong enough, you can do anything. You’ll find people that will support you through thick and thin. No matter if you don’t have anyone else’s support, you’ll always have your back.
Speak up. It’s okay to be scared, everyone is.
Some people may argue that assailants are ill themselves which justifies why they’ve hurt somebody, but an illness doesn’t justify all of one’s actions. Many rapists recognize that what they are doing is wrong, yet they do it anyway.
Raping your student is wrong – no kid should ever have to take a rape test.
Raping a defenseless child is wrong.
Pursuing someone even when they say no multiple times is wrong.
Continuing even when they are fighting, crying, and pleading for you to stop is wrong.
That could have been your mother, sister, or brother – that could have been you.
In today’s world when there are so many opinions voiced loudly, people struggle to hear those who are whispering for help. The hope is for no one to experience SA, but that’s not realistic. What’s more realistic is talking about it. We need to represent those who feel like they don’t have a voice.
Still, victims are stronger than anyone else in this world. They’ve already experienced the worst day of their life and they still have the aspiration to move forward. The hope is to turn the word “victim” into “survivor.”
National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support | RAINN
Call 1-800-656-4673
Don’t be afraid to speak up.
