Candace Chanbers
Staff Writer
“Help me, I’m Amanda Berry … I’ve been kidnapped, and I’ve been missing for 10 years. And I’m here. I’m free now.” These words were spoken as Amanda Berry told 911 operators of her kidnapping in the hands of Ariel Castro. For 10 years, Berry, along with two other young women, were exploited and sexually assaulted. The girls escaped May 6, 2013.
The month of April has been recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, 1 in 71 men have been raped in their lifetime. Nearly one in two women and one in five men have experienced other forms of sexual violence at some point in their lives.
Forms of sexual assault include unwanted sexual contact and unwanted sexual experiences, such as verbal sexual harassment. Assault can be committed by a family member, colleague, friend, past or current intimate partner, a person in power, or a stranger. Victims of sexual assaults often experience emotional trauma and long term physical and mental health problems. Assaults can happen to anyone.
The federal government, agencies, and organizations are working together to support survivors and bring awareness to sexual violence. President Barack Obama signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act on March 7, 2014. The legislation requires states to develop programs to assist victims of sexual assault, more training for law enforcement, more informational programs on the topic of sexual awareness on college campuses, and established protection for sexual assault victims in federally subsidized housing.
The general public can assist the government in its efforts to assist those who have been sexually assaulted. Some ways include providing moral support by establishing a safe place to talk and listen and encouraging a loved one to seek professional help.
King James Simpson, a senior graphic design major from St. Louis, Mo. said, “I would try to comfort her first. Let her know ‘I’m not against you’. It could have happened to anybody. I’ve got sisters. I try to let them know how to protect themselves as much as they can. I definitely wouldn’t judge them. I would try my best to give her confidence back. Stay positive and stay strong and help her out as much as I can.”
Ke’Sia Readus, a junior political science from Canton, Miss. said, “I would tell him or her to ask God for strength, and to find someone like a counselor that they could talk to without them being afraid, just to express what has happened.”
King Green, a senior mass communications major from Clarksdale, Miss. said, “If it was one of my friend ladies that I know had been sexually assaulted, first I’d just let her know that I appreciate her even allowing her to express it to me. Then, after she expresses it to me, I’ll ask her if she wants to talk about it. I’ll try to see what she feels needs to be done. After that, I’ll try to let her know that ‘everything is going to be good, everything will be alright, if you know that everything will be alright.’”
If in immediate danger, victims of sexual assault should call 911. The Latasha Norman Center for Counseling and Disability Services can also provide assistance. The contact number for the National Sexual Assault Hotline is 1-800-656-HOPE. It is available 24 hours a day and is free and confidential.
