tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963397125379153402.post3147033870913284607..comments2014-04-07T12:23:26.304-07:00Comments on TheAmericanDream: Rape. Is. Treason.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378148289531448887noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963397125379153402.post-67903464930777427422014-04-07T12:23:26.304-07:002014-04-07T12:23:26.304-07:00When we think of rape, we should first think about...When we think of rape, we should first think about caring for the survivor. On campus, we leave it up to them to decide if they would like to press charges — often it can be a traumatic experience for them, and they may not wish to go through with it. They may change their mind years later. That is *their* prerogative, no one else's. <br /><br />Sexual assault and rape aren't as clear cut as you think, especially on college campuses. Alcohol introduces a grey area which leaves both the state and administration with differing opinions and laws. Maybe you know the differences, maybe you are unaware. <br /><br />Our government is built on these civil liberties; everyone gets a right to a fair trial. I am not excusing the rapist, I am not saying it is not a terrible crime. I am not saying the judicial system is perfect, far from it. I think the system has flawed methods of punishing rapists. Often the punishments may be perceived as not severe enough, people are entitled to their opinion. However, the trials are often incredibly stressful on the survivor. The first step in changing the system should not be in altering the punishment as a deterrent, but making the trials safer and easier for the survivors. What does the sentence length matter if the trial is never pursued? <br /><br />You seem incredibly passionate about this subject. I suggest you attend some RASAN meetings, or perhaps go through RASAN training if you would like to be educated on campus rules regarding rape and sexual assault. It could certainly altered your perspective and above all leave you much more adept in speaking about these issues.<br /><br />If you're interested in changing campus culture and further educating the campus about Sexual Assault, perhaps Men for Consent would appeal to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com