GREEN & GOLD 5/16/23

“I was sexually assaulted when I was 24…

I had been taught not to trust my body. If
In 2021, 11% of high school I felt uncomfortable or unsure, I was
students had experienced taught to ignore that. I was insecure and
wanted this man’s approval, and smoked
sexual violence within the
pot with him. When he assaulted me, I
past year nationwide. (CDC) was pretty out of it, and I did resist, but it
went pretty far. I now tell everyone: trust
your body, you are never wrong. If you

Risk Factors for Perpetration (CDC):

feel the slightest bit uncomfortable, leave
the situation, if at all possible. There is
1. Alcohol and drug use never a situation where you are wrong to
2. Delinquency
get out. Additionally, sexual assault is
3. Lack of concern for others
4. Aggressive behaviors and acceptance of never your fault. Ever. If you’ve been the
violent behaviors victim of SA, please get help, counseling,
5. Early sexual initiation therapy, something… Those that commit
6. Coercive sexual fantasies
SA need to be held accountable… the old
7. Preference for impersonal sex and
sexual-risk taking “he’s a promising young man” defense is
8. Exposure to sexually explicit media BS. Sexual assault can cause severe PTSD
9. Hostility towards women and deep psychological wounds and
10. Adherence to traditional gender role
norms
guess what? You are a promising young
11. Hyper-masculinity person. You deserve justice, care, and
12. Suicidal behavior healing.” - Anonymous PA Adult
13. Prior sexual victimization or perpetration

PA Students Say:
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and comments about our stories. Letters to the editor can
The biggest contributing factors
be sent to pa.greenandgold@gmail.com. More articles can to sexual assault are other
be read digitally at greenandgoldweekly.weebly.com.
students and alcohol/drugs.
By Andi Tisdell