Women not to blame for sexual assault, violence

As the coordinator of rape victim services at Middle Way House, I want to counter the victim-blaming message that emerged from your Oct. 10 article, “United to Take Back the Night.” Writer Chelsea Merta quoted (a student) who spoke about the role women play in preventing sexual violence on campus: “... women make poor decisions” and “... A lot of girls just don’t care” and (a student and Middle Way House volunteer who said) “Change needs to start within a woman.” In the arena of sexual assault, women are overwhelmingly the victims. Change that starts within a woman will not end rape. Change starts when men talk with other men and boys about respect and consent and the myths and stereotypes that promote violence against women and fail to hold perpetrators responsible. Change starts when men and women work together for equity and justice.\nOur role as advocates and community members is to support victims of sexual violence by listening and assisting them in their healing and their efforts for redress. It is not our role to place responsibility on women or blame them for “poor decisions” that are, actually, events outside of their control. The crowd on Tuesday night was strong and full of energy, and the take-home message was one of hope and solidarity. Let’s all remember this and focus our energy on meaningful change efforts instead of blaming the victim – specifically women – for the horrific violence.