The news coverage of sexual violence at Cornell University has been widespread and extraordinarily difficult for many, especially those who have experienced sexual violence themselves. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the pain of this time. While the news cycle isn’t new in our world, each fresh incident can amplify or compound past trauma.
As we know, research shows that sexual violence on college campuses is a pervasive problem. College students are more likely that their peers to experience sexual assault, and the Red Zone illustrates why the first weeks of college are a critical time for student safety. The problem is not going away, and, unfortunately as stories like this demonstrate, we still have a long way to go.
The Title IX process that has gotten a lot of attention within this story is a federal civil rights law passed in 1972. It was created to ban discrimination based on sex in any schools that receive federal funding. Importantly, as in this case, the legislation aims to provide a pathway for students who have experienced sexual violence to seek out remediation and justice within the school system. The details vary by school, but the intention of the law is to address sexual violence complaints in a way that allows a survivor to thrive within their school. From what has been reported thus far that process broke down in the Cornell case. Campus sexual violence is an education justice issue that cannot be ignored. The Red Zone doesn’t only happen in large universities or in bigger cities. It also impacts our university communities here at home.
This story will continue to unfold, and we know more distressing details will likely come to light. Know that Our Voice is here to support all survivors in our community through every news cycle and beyond. We’re here whether an assault happened on a college campus or off and whether the survivor wants to report to law enforcement, their Title IX Coordinator, or chooses not to report at all. We know that many people will not report, and some will seek out services years later. Stories like this may make survivors even less likely to share.
Sexual violence is rooted in power and control. We believe support should look like a survivor getting to decide what happens next. We do want survivors to know that personalized help is available. No matter where you are on your journey, Our Voice believes you, and we are here for you.