Is Our Focus on College Sexual Assault Hurting Teen Survivors?

Led by brave survivors and activists, the campus sexual assault prevention movement has become unstoppable. The student voice is powerful. Through demonstrations and advocacy campaigns, they are changing school and federal policies to create supportive environments for survivors.

More importantly, their work is proactive. There is an increased risk for sexual assault on college campuses and an undeniable need for prevention measures: One in five college women experience sexual assault, according to the Association of American Universities survey. Student advocates facilitate meaningful dialogues about students' roles in intervening if a peer is engaging in coercive sexual behavior or using victim-blaming language. By educating their campus community, these students prevent some sexual assaults from happening in the first place.

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