Dear Editor: According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, nationwide in 2023, 81% of women and 43% of men reported some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. One in three female victims experienced sexual assault for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17.
Note: “for the first time.” Note: These are only the reported statistics.
Most victims of sexual assault experience great trauma that begins with the attack, even though victims often deny it because they disassociated during the attack, because they are afraid nobody will believe them, especially the system designed to protect them, and other reasons. Yes, words and events can trigger the existing trauma of the attack, which at some time they must face. Until they are ready, choose to avoid triggers. See the book: “The Body Keeps the Score.”
True journalism informs, educates and can protect. Often journalists use harsh reality to crack the denial or deflection of the U.S. rape culture and other issues. Sexual assault is buried under the rug precisely so it can continue at these pandemic levels.
The victim can choose to not read any mentions and say to talkers: “You can stop now. I know. I was there.”
If reading this or any articles on this subject horrify you, you have the power to not read. You also have the power to help make change.
Nova Wolf Ouray
