Post Classifieds
Reflection in the days following sexual assault
By Jennifer Waters
On October 17, 2012
With Halloween right around the corner, it's easy to see why students would be getting frightfully
excited about parties and lore.
Classic scary movies, eerie decorations and freaky costumes are just the beginning of the
exhilarating horror to be found. But sometimes scenes from slasher films like "I Spit On Your
Grave" become devastating reality.
A Buffalo State student was sexually assaulted at a party last week. Before fingers point toward
who is at fault and debates rage, think about the victim.
Too often do people ignore their instincts and put themselves in situations they should not be in.
This isn't to say the assailant was in the right.
You cannot say, "Are you surprised that happened to her? Did you see the way she was
dressed?" Although I agree that girls need to be smart about their appearance, I also believe
they have a right to dress how they want.
The girl who was assaulted was attending a party at the time, a situation that takes control out
of her hands from the get-go. Despite this fact, people cannot live as though an attack is lurking
in the shadows, constantly paranoid and afraid to live their lives.
Instead, students should practice caution. If you're planning to attend a party, on or off-campus,
go with friends and watch out for each other. If you've had a history with someone that you
know will be attending, then stay far away from them. Most sexual assaults involve someone the
victim is close to and trusts.
We've all been told to walk with a buddy at night and check to make sure all the windows
and doors are locked before leaving the house, but what should we do when we're in a safe
environment?
Aside from the more obvious ways like avoiding unsettling situations and dressing smart,
women should keep their eyes and ears peeled for anyone who appears to be suspicious or
unwantedly interested.
If someone shows attraction that isn't mutual, be firm and confront the situation immediately.
Don't assume ignoring the attention will make it end.
This is difficult to do, especially given the non-confrontational nature of our society, but it can
possibly save you later.
Stick with people you know when in an unfamiliar place and watch out for one another. Go
beyond watching drinks. Watch the people your group is interacting with and if something
makes you uncomfortable, speak up.
If you're having an issue with someone and it looks to be escalating, seek help immediately. It's
not a sign of weakness to be smart about potentially protecting yourself.
Often victims feel ashamed and guilty, believing it was their fault they were attacked. This blame
can turn deadly if they aren't strong enough to find help.
There is no excuse for this and I do not believe in mercy for the attackers.
However, reality stands that victims are left feeling victimized as long as they are unable to face
what happened.
The incident involving the Buffalo State student is still under investigation and probably will
remain that way, despite the efforts of investigators.
Jennifer Waters can be reached by email at waters.record@live.com.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Record News Articles
Kids give new outlook on college
I think I speak for many college students, male or female, when I say that being a college student is hard, but balancing school with ...
Kerry's comments carry credibility issues
It appears as though John Kerry needs a vocal filter. In his first address to a foreign nation since assuming his current role as S...
Bathroom messages inspire hope in hard times
I have always struggled to understand the "bathroom stall graffiti" phase. Like most things that seem to be exciting for everyone ...
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE RECORD NEWS
- We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
- Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
- Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
- SUNY appoints Cohen interim president
- President Podolefsky announces leave to fight cancer
- Rappers put Pepsi in a bind
- Congrats to grads: take next step with gratitude
RECENT THE RECORD CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
- Stroke & Dementia in Black Men: Tips for Staying Healthy...
- Hispanics and African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye...
- African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye Disease
- Infinity Kings: Final Book In A Favorite Fantasy Series
- What You Need To Know About Keratoconus and the iLink...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
- Young Author Translates 4,000-Year-Old Text to Reveal...
- Keeping Cool and Energy-efficient Amid America’s “...
- Addressing Sarcopenia with a Healthy Diet
- Subway’s New Wraps Elevate Eating on the Go
- Family Teacher Conference Topics Beyond Academics
- Youth Take Down Tobacco
- BookTrib’s Bites: Four Reads to Kickoff Spring
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK
- BLUMHOUSE AND AMC THEATRES LAUNCH FIRST-EVER HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN FILM FESTIVAL
- THE GEN Z IMPERATIVE: LISTEN TO FEELINGS AND GIVE GEN Z A VOICE
