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As a woman, sexual harassment is something I have to be aware of and thinking about. So why on women’s journey to independence, are they relying on others to keep them safe in sticky situations? When it comes down to it, most women are perfectly capable of avoiding the pangs of sexual assault themselves.
On Penn State’s Web site, de2.psu.edu, in a section entitled “Information on Sexual Harassment” (note how uncomplicated that title is), sexual harassment is the “unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in the workplace by focusing attention on their gender instead of on their professional qualities.”
But for those who are not in the workplace and are in, let’s say, school, people must protect themselves from being sexually assaulted.
While the difference seems small, sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that is not consensual.
Such a term brings the abuse out of being confined to the workplace and into homes, schools, parties and parking lots.
Sexual assault is a huge issue, especially on college campuses. According to the American Association of University Women, about 25 percent of college women will be raped in their four years at college. This statistic shows that sadly, no one is safe.
While it seems discouraging, men, but mostly women, must realize that there are many ways to avoid being sexually assaulted or harassed.
Most importantly, don’t take any situation for granted. Pepperdine does have a guard gate and the well-staffed Public Safety team constantly patrolling, which makes everyone feel safe. But Public Safety only roams the streets. The safety stops there. Then it is up to students to protect themselves when they are not in Public Safety’s sight. For example, don’t walk alone at night. You wouldn’t walk alone at UCLA, especially now that there really is a sexual predator assaulting girls in Westwood with hits on both Jan. 18th and Jan. 16th. A sketch and warning of this man have been posted in places such as coffee shops. So who’s to say Pepperdine any different?
Pepperdine students have a false sense of security because we are in Malibu, a seemingly safe community.
Do not take the fact that your professor is a “professor” for anything. Your professors are complete strangers. Yes, Pepperdine goes through extensive interviewing and research to get top quality professors, but the occasional “bad egg” can slip in.
Just because we are in college, doesn’t mean mom’s “Don’t Talk to Strangers” speech can’t still ring in your ears.
One of the biggest venues for sexual assault is college parties. With the addition of alcohol comes the increase in sex drive. According to a study done by the University of Michigan, “51 percent of college students believe alcohol facilitates sexual opportunities.” Sex and alcohol are two things that Pepperdine doesn’t encourage, but don’t pretend like Pepperdine parties don’t happen.
Girls put on their most revealing outfits and guys put on, well, the same thing they wear every day. Then off they go to the party. Before long, one girl is drunk and trying to mend her skimpy clothing that is falling apart from the night’s events. She finds herself somewhere with some guy (no name that she can remember) helping her “fix” her ensemble.
I can list two ways that this situation could have been avoided.
First, her scantily-clad body could have easily been covered, which would have given off the impression that she isn’t easy. Her outfit wouldn’t have fallen apart and no assistance would have been needed to mend it.
Secondly, our hypothetical Pepperdine student should have rethought how much she was drinking.
I’m not saying that all men are dangerous, but you have to be careful who you trust. Many sexual assault cases could be prevented requiring only a little thought.
If, however, a student does feel uncomfortable about a professor, student, employee or anyone on campus, that student can contact the Health Center or the Grievance Officer. Pepperdine truly does want everyone to feel safe.
Submitted 01-26-2006
MALIBU, CA
