Sexual assault campaign lacks effectiveness on campus

Fabienne Fleurantin/ Staff Writer

Sexual assault has become more prevalent in today’s society than it ever has before. It’s no longer a taboo issue — more and more people are coming out to tell their story and joining the fight in making people aware of sexual assault.

From the #MeToo movement that spread like wildfire across the Internet to the #TIMESUP movement that occured at the Golden Globe awards on Jan. 7 to represent solidarity in the face of sexual harassment and sexual assault, it’s becoming more evident to society that we as a people will no longer stay quiet in the face of injustice.

Formed with these principles in mind, the “It’s On Us” campaign was a result of this fight.

“Launched in September 2014, It’s On Us is a national movement to end sexual assault. The campaign was launched following recommendations from the White House Task Force to Prevent Sexual Assault that noted the importance of engaging everyone in the conversation to end sexual violence,” according to the “It’s On Us” website.

FIU has also incorporated this campaign on its campus as part of a promise to prevent and make people aware of ending sexual assault on college campuses. Some students mentioned that the promotion of the program is lacking and that it’s very possible for the program to flourish.  

Senior public relations major Emily Martinez said: “I just think maybe it should be more vocal and visible around campus. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of students that still don’t know about this program. If we can get it to have a bigger outreach, it can definitely be successful.”

However, others sense that this campaign may not be as effective as promised.

“Is it effective in reducing sexual assault? No. Is it effective in bringing the problem to light? Yes,” senior chemistry major and biology minor, Valeria Mora said. “Just because you say that you are against sexual assault doesn’t mean anything if you see it happening and don’t stop it.”

FIU does a good job of branding this campaign around campus, with the banner that flies so high in between the Blue and Gold garages. They also have tabling events where they give you scenarios in what you should do if someone you know gets sexaully assaulted and how you can help them.

If you get them right, you win a shirt with the “It’s On Us” logo, and that in itself is a strategic method of getting the word out and getting students interested in being a part of fighting against sexual assault.

However, raising awareness and taking action falls on both parties. The “It’s On Us” programs does a lot to promote itself, but it can only do so much. If students are curious about it, they are more than welcome to ask questions, go to events or office, or even follow them on social media sites to stay updated on what is happening.

In terms of the campaign stopping sexual assault, that’s where the narrative gets more complicated. There needs to be more education on this subject and more action against the norms that we hold in our society. Many men and women think it’s okay to catcall, have sex without consent of both parties and touch people if they are dressed a certain way.

It’s not.

All of these things do not give anyone the right to do as they please because “this is how our society is and we might as well get used to it.”

No. I refuse to accept that.

That is the whole purpose of this campaign and the whole reason why we are fighting toward changing these preconceived norms. These disgusting actions need to change and destroying these ideas is the key to starting a pivotal change in our society.

 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

 

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