The Crime of Our Time

A possible solution to solve the problem of sexual assault and rape in college campuses would be for colleges to provide safe places for victims to report any incidents involving sexual assault. A major factor that attributes to the inability to solve this problem is that oftentimes students are afraid to speak up about incidents that have occurred. Students fear that by reporting the crime, they will be penalized themselves, whether it be for insobriety, complicated situations, or anything else of the matter. Another feasible solution would be for colleges to provide self-defense classes and to educate students about rape culture.

By providing students with the proper knowledge and understanding of rape culture, it is possible for them to know when to avoid these situations and prevent them from occurring, whether they be the victim or the predator. Students and, quite frankly, human beings in general should know already through common sense that rape is never acceptable. Rape is wrong in all aspects, but because it still seems to be a major issue, providing education on the matter can help to prevent it. Another way to resolve this dilemma is by properly training campus police, security personnel, and other individuals that can respond to sexual assault complaints. One final resolution is to create a policy in which all forms of sexual misconduct are clearly highlighted and brought to light.

This policy would explicitly indicate what is and is not considered consent, prevalence of non-stranger sexual assault, sexual assault involving the use of illegal substances, the causes and effects of sexual assault, and how to report any incidents.