Have you ever found yourself feeling a bit on edge as you walk across campus after dark? Or maybe you’ve had that sinking feeling in your gut whenever you catch someone's weird gaze? If any of this sounds familiar, know that you’re not the only one going through it.
The rates of sexual violence among college women these days are alarmingly high. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), about 1 in every 4 female undergrads and 10 percent of grad students have dealt with rape or some kind of sexual assault. Then there's the AAUW (American Association of University Women) survey, which found that 23% of female undergrads at 27 universities reported sexual misconduct.
With numbers like these, a big question pops up in my mind: just how safe are female students when they’re on campus?
4 Reasons Why Sexual Violence on Campus Is Way More Common Than What Gets Reported
It’s even scarier to think that the stats and official reports don’t even come close to showing the whole picture due to underreporting. It’s a huge problem, which makes the issue seem way smaller than it actually is. But why do so many survivors choose not to report what happened to them?
Universities Often Downplay Reports to Uphold Their Image
According to the AAUW, schools often downplay reports or even reclassify assaults as minor infractions just to avoid bad publicity and keep their federal funding. Universities with star athletes and sports teams are especially guilty of this. Take Florida State University, for example.
Back in 2012, their quarterback Jameis Winston was accused of rape, but the school still let him play the entire football season because famous varsity athletes rake in millions of dollars from televised games, sponsorships, and merchandise.
In the same way, frat guys often get the same kind of protection. A goldmine for universities, Greek organizations pull in up to 75% of alumni donations. Even though frat members are almost three times more likely to commit sexual assault, schools often sweep these cases under the rug.
Seeing this whole pattern, it doesn’t come as a surprise that victims don’t trust schools to genuinely address these problems.
Trying to Speak Out Against an Authority Figure Feels Like a Huge Gamble
Abuse from the faculty staff happens a lot more than most people realize, but so many of these cases never come to light because the victims are terrified. A lot of victims sit there wondering what if nobody would ever believe them or if the offender might gaslight them into thinking they’re blowing the issue out of proportion.
What makes it even harder is that these perpetrators are often skilled manipulators who can make you distrust your own memories. They say things like, “That’s not how it happened,” or “You’re remembering it wrong,” or even, “I thought you wanted it…”
That’s why a ton of victims prefer to stay silent rather than go through the trouble of trying to achieve justice since speaking up becomes an even bigger battle.
Victims Struggle to Report Someone They Know or Once Trusted
Many rape cases on campus usually happen between people who know each other, including friends. This challenges the idea that sex offenders are strangers in dark corners and makes things even more complicated for victims.
An example of this is Diana Mondragon. She was groomed by her teacher starting way back in high school, and her naivety made her believe it was true love. It wasn’t until she hit 25 that she managed to wake up from this delusion, and then it took her another 9 whole years to build up the courage to speak out.
Feelings of betrayal, anger, and lingering attachment can make it incredibly difficult to come forward. On top of that, survivors are afraid they will only get dismissed for the lack of evidence, especially when there are no visible signs of physical violence, like bruises or scars. But no matter who the perpetrator is or how the situation looks, acts of sexual violence are never condonable.
Victims May Blame Themselves to Feel Grounded
Sexual assault, especially rape, not only traumatizes women but can also leave them with a deep and enduring feeling of helplessness. Many survivors unknowingly turn to self-blame to cope and obtain a false sense of control. Unfortunately, self-blame breeds shame, guilt, and silence. This mindset convinces you that your pain is your fault and hence, asserting yourself is somehow unjustified.
How to Protect Yourself from Sexual Violence on Campus
While it isn’t fair that the burden of safety falls on students, there are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself.
1. Learn Self-Defense
The smartest move is to sign up for a self-defense class with a real certified instructor. You want to learn how to strike and break from holds and grabs of your stalker so that you get away from a dangerous situation.
2. Don’t Rush to Fit In and Set Boundaries
Freshmen are easy targets because they want to feel welcomed and included. While it’s not bad to refuse help, be wary when someone gives you extra attention in the guise of being nice and helpful. Don’t let anyone pressure you into situations that don’t sit well with you. The same principle applies to faculty members.
3. Be Cautious with Party Invites
Greek life is a huge part of college culture, especially in the US, but these male-dominated parties create the perfect environment for party rape. Using alcohol as their weapon, predators seek out intoxicated women who could barely defend themselves.
Tailgates, sports events, and music festivals also come with the same dangers. It doesn’t mean you should skip the party, but you definitely want to stay sober and vigilant.
4. Speak Up
Don’t be afraid to come forward if you’ve experienced any form of sexual harassment. If you believe your school has failed to properly investigate your complaints or protect its students from harassment, you can report it to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which enforces Title IX.
Final Words
Sexual violence on campuses is a deeply rooted issue, and while schools should be doing more to protect their students, the sad truth is that many cases still go unaddressed. That’s why it’s important to stay informed, set boundaries, and prioritize your safety. If you or anyone you know has been affected, speak up and exercise your rights. Your voice has power, so don't be afraid to challenge the college culture and stand up for women's rights.
