I would like to commend the Daily staff and each of the groups who are working this week and every week to spread awareness about sexual assault; it is a very worthy cause to take a stance against such heinous crimes.

As I read the Daily, I noticed mention that this is also an issue that affects men.

However, the reasoning given was solely based on their relationships to women who may be victimized.

I was greatly bothered by this statement because it ignores a key issue – men may be victims as well.

I spent five years as a member of an abuse awareness drama troupe, have been exposed to horrifying statistics and case studies and am concerned by the stereotype of only female victims.

While it is true that the majority of sexual assault crimes do happen to women, it is a terrible offense to ignore the fact that these crimes can happen to men as well. Most abuse cases are never reported and to fuel such common misconceptions is also to fuel the problem of silence.

During this week of awareness, let us recognize that anyone may be an abuser or a victim, regardless of gender.

Ali Mostrom

Freshman

Chemistry