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Sexual violence is prevalent in college campuses.
Sexual violence can be described as anything from unwanted touching to even rape.
According to a study by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women will be sexually assaulted while in college.
In an informal survey, De Anza students expressed how these statistics can make them feel.
“It makes me feel extremely upset and furious that this is allowed to keep happening,” Naomi Foss-Alkfe, 19, journalism major, said.
These numbers can not only be frustrating to students, but also worrisome.
“My close friend group has at least 5 people in it. Knowing that one of us have been or will be sexually assault while on campus worries me,” Michelle Tokutomi, 18, fashion merchandising major, said.
Young women in college are especially vulnerable.
According to scholarly article, The Greek System: How Gender Inequality and Class Privilege Perpetuate Rape Culture, by Jozlowski in 2017, 1/3 of rapes reported on college campuses took place in a fraternity house.
Fraternity parties are the college norm. They’re considered to be an essential part of the college life experience. But, what exactly goes on at these parties?
“It’s basically a bunch of guys praying on girls,” Ryan James, 23, business major, said.
According to Jozlowski’s article, fraternity members will mostly invite female freshman students to their parties. Because of their age and the lack of experience, fraternity members find that female freshman students are easier to pressure into doing what they want.
“It’s heart-wrenching,” Maria Martinez, 26, journalism major, said.
Another common factor at many of these fraternity parties is alcohol.
“The hosts purchase an abundance of alcohol,” said James, “alcohol that’s used to help pressure girls into having sex.”
While some female students are found to be defenseless, there are some who are ready to stand up and change the statistics.
Tokutomi says she’s not really interested in attending fraternity parties. And if she does happen to attend one, she doesn’t go alone.
“I carry pepper spray and have extra keys and trinkets on my key ring just to be safe,” Tokutomi said.
Students are also aware of the steps they can take to make college campuses safer for everyone, especially women.
“Going to rallies and marches as an ally or as a survivor are important because women can make their voices heard,” Tokutomi said.
There is also the belief that administration intervention is crucial to making a change in college campuses.
“Colleges need to start taking reports of rape/assault more seriously, and give harsher punishments,” Foss-Alkfe said. “security should be better at nighttime. Let everyone know that rape and assault will not be tolerated under any means.”
While fraternity parties aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, it is comforting to see that students are active and well-informed.
“I have a couple of parties this summer,” Karina Espino, 19, communications major, said. “but I will make sure I take the necessary steps to ensure that my friends and I are safe at all times.”