For the past two years, the Story County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) has organized a mock rape trial in an effort to educate the University community. The event provides an excellent opportunity to address the multifaceted, complicated, and emotional issue of sexual assault. In the last two years, both the audience and the “jury” have expressed a variety of opinions and attitudes that show how far our society has come and yet how far we still have to go in breaking down the myths and stereotypes surrounding this devastating crime.

The primary focus of the discussion was not about the perpetrator’s actions and choices but instead focused on the behavior of the victim. Instead of asking why men rape, society continues to challenge the veracity of the victim’s claims, asks why she would choose to put herself in a potentially dangerous situation or why doesn’t she fight back, say “no,” or leave, wonders why she chose to drink or be alone with someone she doesn’t know very well, and questions how she could be paralyzed with fear. Instead of holding the perpetrator accountable for his actions, these attitudes continue to place the responsibility for prevention and the blame for victimization on women. Further educational opportunities and informed discussions are key in creating societal and cultural changes in attitudes towards both rape and rape victims.

Julie Wooden

Sexual Assault Services Coordinator, ACCESS

ISU Aluma