Brittany Kurtz Source 1

A. How do college students recognize sexual assault? What factors must be present?
B. Franiuk, Renae. "Discussing and Defining Sexual Assault: A Classroom Activity." College Teaching. 3rd ed. Vol. 55. Abingdon: Taylor & Francis, 2007. 104-07. JSTOR. Web.


        Sixty-one college students were presented with scenarios involving sexual contact and asked which ones were sexual assault. They were presented with these scenarios in a classroom setting for a course in which they were enrolled; before completing the activity, they read a chapter from their textbook involving violence on women. The students provided a definition of sexual assault written in their own words. They then labeled eight scenarios as to whether or not they fit their individual definition of sexual assault. After this, the students discussed with one another their decisions. To end the activity, the students rewrote their definition and understanding of what constitutes a sexual assault. Results of the study shows that the discussion and contemplation fostered by this activity gave students a better idea of what a sexual assault is. The author of the study voices her opinion that activities such as this one should be utilized throughout universities, perhaps even taught in a mandatory course for incoming students. She blames the lack of understanding of what can be identified as a sexual assault on lack of communication and overall education on the topic. Franuik's solution is simple: educate. Appropriately sanctioning sexual assault on a societal level is immensely important in the war against such violence and is an excellent first step. This, however, can only be achieved and worthwhile when the perpetrators, victims, and bystanders are properly educated on the subject and recognize certain behaviors as acutely unacceptable.

        Although this article is written to explain research done and is not purely argumentative in nature, I think it is an excellent starting point for what I am hoping to achieve throughout my exploration of the topic. Education is undoubtedly important. It's what we students are here at the University of Missouri to achieve. Here is what is interesting- here is what I never would have thought of without this study pointing fingers at it. There is such a social stigmatization revolving around sexual crimes: so much a stigma that it seems to go largely unaddressed. While I was in high school, I received minimal sex education and certainly no education on what constitutes a sexual assault. Now: other crimes are seen as widely obvious. I'm sure the majority of children will recognize that hurting or killing another person is wrong and that stealing is not okay, among other examples. These are issues that are addressed at a very young age, issues that our culture indoctrinates. It makes sense that parents do not address kindergartners on the criteria that constitutes consensual sex. At some point, however, that education does need to take place. Is it the role of the parent? Of the school? Of society? Perhaps it is a combination of the three. We cannot control what each parent teaches their children, and we can't ensure that the parent is adequately educated on the topic of sexual violence; nor can we wholly dictate societal views on the issue. Change in a culture is a slow process and requires a generation and more to do so. Therefore, it is up to the schools to which we send that generation to educate and prepare those students for the life ahead of them. This should include proper education on sexual assault.

        This initial source of exploration brings several points into play. I thought that the lack of sexual assault education was the culprit of campus sexual violence, but am now questioning what role even basic sexual education plays here. Should sexual education include education concerning sexual assault? Are there universities who offer or mandate courses for their students that deal with sexual assault prevention/education? How can we begin to de-stigmatize the mere topic of sexual assault and therefore allow society to reshape how it addresses sexual assault victims? So far I have come to the conclusion that the current rate of education on this topic is inadequate. It's shocking to me that sexual violence is so prevalent (there are around 293,000 sexual assaults every year (rainn.org) compared to 16,121 homicides in 2013 (cdc.gov)) and yet, so little is done to address it.