Advocacy Center staff welcomes discussion for those affected by Jerk Magazine article

An article in the October 2012 issue of Jerk Magazine related to sexual violence has resulted in a great deal of conversation and concern among staff and volunteers of the Advocacy Center at Syracuse University. Much of the conversation centers on the opinions expressed in the article that reinforce myths about rape, particularly the very common and harmful tendency to blame those who are victims of rape.

As professionals who talk with survivors of sexual and relationship violence, we are concerned about the messages this article communicates to readers and the additional harm that is done to survivors of sexual assault when victim blaming is supported.

Placing fault on the person who is victimized rather than holding those responsible who make the choice to disrespect and ignore the voices of those they target helps to perpetuate a culture that accepts that rape will happen and does not work to prevent these very traumatic crimes from occurring. Sexual assault is an act of violence, not a result of miscommunication.

It is time for our campus community to consider the importance of educating ourselves about these issues, issues that impact each one of us. One in four college women are sexually assaulted by the time they complete college. One in six men are sexually assaulted by the age of 18.

Knowing so many of our community members have been directly and/or indirectly affected by sexual violence, it is the responsibility of each one of us to identify ways to work to end violence and support survivors. Examining why we do have so many myths and misconceptions about rape will lead to greater understanding of this crime and effective ways to prevent additional harm.

We welcome dialogue with Syracuse University community members to explore these very sensitive and very critical issues.

Sincerely,
Janet Epstein and Jill Sneider
The Advocacy Center at Syracuse University
Sexual and Relationship Violence Services, Prevention and Education
http://advocacycenter.syr.edu