The Clackamas print., April 18, 2018, Page 3, Image 3

Sexual assault: not just women
WHY MEN NEED THEIR VOICES HEARD
BY MASON CRAWLEY
REPORTER
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM,)
a time to acknowledge and support all survivors of
sexual violence. Events are scheduled all month
on campus to promote SAAM and get students
involved in the discussion of helping those in need;
no matter who you are, these events are designed
to be inclusive for all students.
Though CCC is pushin g in c lu siv ity , and
support for survivors, there is a noticeable lack
of representation and support for men in the
promotional material for SAAM around campus.
The topic of sexual violence is a serious one, not
exclusive to any gender, but the focus of the support
is difficult to distribute equally without someone
feeling slighted.
Statistics point out that one in three women are
survivors of sexual violence, neglecting to mention
the fact that around three percent of men in the
U.S. have experienced sexual violence as well. These
statistics can be found on RAIN.org. Though the
statistics are fairly different, they both paint a clear
picture that sexual violence does not discriminate.
Jairo Rodriguez, C C C ’ s Associated Student*
Government President said, “ When we think about
sexual assault, most of the time we think about
women, when in reality it does happen to m en.”
Rodriguez also talked about the difficulties of
balancing representation for everyone, and how
women should be at the tip of the spear for support,
without discrediting males in need. “ It’ s a very
heavy to p ic,” CCC student Ian Holbrook said.
“ There is a stigma to be masculine and deal with
any emotions on your own.”
The lack of a strong male presence in the issue
is obviousi “ The majority of those seeking support
from me are mostly women, some transsexual, and
some m ale.” CCC Sexual Assault Advocate Mary
Vest said.
Supporting those affected by sexualviolence is
extremely important, said Vest. “ To make a change
towards a safer community, the change needs to
start with the members of the community. It’ s an
ongoing discussion.”
“ Grass roots” was a key phrase used by Emilie
Azorr, a campus Administrative Assistant. Sexual
assault is complicated, and there can be micro
versions of sexual assault occurring without people
even realizing it. The only w ay we cant start a
change, Azorr said, is with us as individuals. The
stigmas that keep people from expressing the need
for help put of fear can only be erased with time
and hard work.
Azorr and Vest were both very enthusiastic to
talk about SAAM month in general, bringing up
many thoughts on the issues we face with sexual
violence. Vest talked in depth about the fact that
we just don’ t know for certain how many men
are affected by sexual violence, hard to say, and
harder to address when men don’t feel comfortable
expressing themselves.
r
.
For those seeking support for themselves or
those they know affected by sexual violence, Vest’s
office is located in Barlow Hall 202A the Oregop
City campus. For individuals of any gender or
orientation, counseling is available in the Bill Brod
Community Center.
If you are in any way experiencing a crisis,
or you just need som eone to talk to, reach
out to the 24-Hour Crisis Line at (503) 654-
2288 or (888) 654-2288.
Statistics provided by RAIN.org
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