As many campus organizations are working to publicize, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month at UW-Madison. While almost everyone is aware that the majority of sexual assaults are committed by someone acquainted with the victim, the truism still bears repeating.
Although the minority of sexual assaults are committed by strangers—constituting less than one-third of cases—they receive much more attention than assaults committed by acquaintances. This disparity does not end with news coverage.
In the months since UW-Madison and the city of Madison announced their renewed commitment to campus safety, the threat of stranger assaults has been a major driving force behind many of the new safety proposals for downtown Madison.
The relative lack of attention given to acquaintance assaults is not the result of planned avoidance of the issue, nor is it wholly because stranger assaults make for easier headlines for media outlets. The truth is that for most groups, stranger assaults call for more straightforward, traditional preventative measures.
Added police coverage can help prevent assaults like the one that took place on University Avenue last semester, but unwanted sexual advances in dorm rooms are typically beyond their reach.
Consequently, though the victims of sexual assault are never to blame, in the case of acquaintance assaults, they do have a greater ability to protect themselves, especially through proactive measures. Sticking with large groups of friends and being aware of one's surroundings are two easy steps to take.
As alcohol is involved in a great number of assaults by acquaintances, especially on college campuses, students can help to protect themselves by remembering to consume in moderation and always be sure they know what it is they are drinking.
Finally, for all victims of sexual assault, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Sexual assault is an issue for people 12 months out of the year and, while Sexual Assault Awareness Month is limited to April, students should remember that there are people and organizations to provide help year-round.
Groups like Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment are in place to give assistance to victims, and counseling is available through the university to anyone in need.
