According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women in the United States experiences completed or attempted sexual assault in her lifetime. Nearly one in four undergraduate women experiences sexual assault or misconduct across 33 of America’s major universities.
In light of recent events, including a former Cornell student’s lawsuit alleging that she was sexually assaulted by Chi Phi fraternity members in 2024 and two sexual assault cases involving fraternity houses near the University of Chicago, concerns about women’s safety on college campuses remain an important issue.
As Xavier seniors prepare for college, these statistics and recent cases highlight the significance of being informed and of thinking carefully before making decisions. Girls must take proactive steps to look out for their own safety and to support their friends.
This transition from high school to college is an exciting time, filled with new-found freedom and independence. However, with these privileges comes the need to know how to navigate new environments and to create support systems away from home.
“I firmly believe all young women entering college should make a point of befriending women they meet – roommates, dormmates, in class. Do it from day one. Statistics show more than half of campus sexual assaults happen between August and November,” said Tracy Sefl, former RAINN Board Member from 2009-2022 and trained victim advocate. RAINN stands for the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, and it is the largest anti‑sexual violence organization in the United States.
Creating close friendships right away allows girls to have a sense of sisterhood that makes it easy to support one another and always look out for each other.
“Embrace the buddy system for your outings – come together, leave together. Most of all, trust your instincts. If someone, something, or some place just doesn’t feel right, don’t overthink it – leave, and with a friend whenever you can,” Sefl said.
It is also important to recognize behaviors that may indicate a friend is uncomfortable or uneasy in a situation.
For a long time there has been a misconception that intoxication implies consent, when in reality, it absolutely does not. It is important to be able to recognize when someone may not be in a position to make responsible decisions.
It is crucial to remember that the responsibility of an assault never falls on the victim, no matter the circumstances. “When sexual assault happens, the only person responsible is the perpetrator. Not what she wore, or drank or where she was,” Sefl said.
As a society, we are all responsible for changing the culture surrounding sexual violence. We have to support survivors, and hold offenders accountable.
“There should be no more of this ‘boys will be boys’ attitude,” said Xavier guidance counselor and guidance department chair Alexis Quintero ’10.
It has taken decades to reach the point where women feel empowered enough to speak out about their experiences, but there is still much to be done to create a lasting culture where justice is served consistently.
The Cornell lawsuit and other recent incidents like it have fueled a national call for change. The Harvard Independent article titled “After the Cornell 7: Students from Ithaca to Cambridge Demand Accountability” highlights how Cornell and other campuses nationwide have moved toward creating safer environments for students. They have started to prioritize stricter fraternity oversight, stricter substance use conduct and monitoring, and stronger accountability measures.
It is unfortunate that horrific incidents like these are often what spark societal change. Regardless, we have to continue making an effort to create a new culture that prioritizes respect and accountability.
“RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline is free, confidential, and 24/7 via voice, online chat, and text. If you’re reading this, I hope you put RAINN in your phone: call 800-656-HOPE (4673), chat at hotline.RAINN.org at http://hotline.rainn.org/ or text HOPE to 64673. Your friend might need it,” urged Sefl.
Do you know how to stay safe in college as a young woman?
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