The effects of Sexual Assault and measures to protect yourself
by Emily Mosier
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. One in four undergraduate women will experience sexual assault or harassment, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC).
Many women at Troy say they have experienced sexual harassment– specifically, catcalling.
“It’s created a distrust in men’s character,” said Micahya Burton, a junior biology major from Jackson, Mississippi. “I felt like I was only viewed as a sex symbol and that in a man’s eyes, I am worthless without my body.”
“Catcalling is not cute, it will not get you any good attention, and it is demeaning,” said Sierra Helgerson, a senior business major from Blountstown, Florida. “It made me angry that these people could yell at me from their cars, scare me half to death and then drive away.”
The NSVRC also reports that 81% of women and 43% of men will experience sexual assault or harassment in their lifetime.
Rachel Farmer has worked for the Troy University Police Department for five years, and every semester she teaches a 1-credit hour class called Physical Defense for Women (KHP 1146), which she says teaches students how to defend against assault.
“My class helps women understand their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to defending themselves,” Farmer said. “It is a sad reality that one of my students may have to use the skills because they are attacked, however, it is comforting that they will have the skills they need to escape.”
Farmer said that sexual assault happens on every college campus, so it is important for students to stay off their phones when walking in public and to know basic self-defense.
“I take very seriously, so I do everything possible to help the victim and reduce future offenses,” Farmer said.
Troy students who have been affected by sexual assault can receive counseling at the Student Counseling Center or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE.
“Survivors of sexual assault can experience a wide range of emotions and psychological effects,” said Jennifer Duncan, a licensed professional counselor and Coordinator of Troy’s Student Counseling Center. “This includes post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, feelings of guilt or shame, social isolation, and sleeping and eating disturbances.”
She recommends rainn.org (the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) as a resource for victims and those who know someone who is struggling.
“Believe them, be supportive and non-judgmental, allow the survivor to regain a sense of control,” Duncan said. “Don’t try to force them to go to the police, but gently encourage them to get help through counseling if they are struggling.”
Additionally, if the assault happens on campus or involves Troy students or personnel, students can reach out to Dean of Student Services Herbert Reeves, who is Troy’s University’s TITLE IX Coordinator, or they can fill out a report on the TITLE IX section of Troy University’s website.
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