Sexual assault and it’s fallout is an extremely significant issue in our world, however it is egregiously under addressed. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), “Females ages 16-19 are 4 times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault”. Yet we only have two discussions of sexual assault and consent in our four years of high school. 

Changing patterns of sexual assault, victim blaming, and rape culture, starts with the youth. We need to educate people about the horrible effects of sexual assault, and the severe consequences that any LMSD student should prepare to face should they sexually harass or assault someone, as young, impressionable, teenagers.

We would like to see the following implemented at our schools-

1. Sexual Harassment, Consent, and Sexual Assault lessons taught beginning in Middle School. 

2. Three lessons, presentations, or discussions per school year.

3. The above should include the following-

a) Lectures from victims of sexual assault on how it upended and harmed them personally (this can be in the form of in person lectures or video lectures). We believe that it is important to impress on students the devastating effects that sexual assault has on someone’s life.

b) Discussion about victim-blaming and how to actively not blame victims. Our society actively isolates and blames the victims, telling them that they are at fault in some way. Whether that be what they were wearing, walking alone at night, not coming forward right away, etc. 

c) Discussion of the symptoms of sexual assault victims, as we feel that too many people don’t understand the trauma that victims go through. This discussion should come from a psychologist, who can explain common reaction of victims, including that it often takes years for a victim to come forward.

d) Discussion specifically about male victims, and validating their experiences and trauma. Too often, we as a country, tell males that they can’t be victims of sexual assault, or that they are weak if they are. Lower Merion is not immune to this culture.

e) Information about the legal consequences of sexual assault or harassment

f) Clear explanation and examples of consent.

g) Discussion of the various forms of rape, sexual assault, and harassment.

4. Finally, we would like a very clear system in which sexual assault and harassment reports will be dealt with, explained to all of the students and parents.

We hope that with the implementation of the aforementioned programs, we can educate and train our youth on the horrors of sexual assault, and begin to change the toxic culture around sexual assault, harassment, and rape.