Control those hormones. ASAP.

So while I am certainly not the first blogger to post a rant on the subject, I feel that as both a college student, a young woman, and a former facilitator of ASAP workshops (Acquaintance Sexual Assault Prevention), it is my duty to say something regarding the horrifying article posted February 22nd on the Daily Princetonian by Iulia Neagu.  ”The real ‘Sex on a Saturday Night.’” article basically takes the position that any girl who decides to drink is also deciding it’s okay for her to be violated -because hey!  She did it to herself and we all know that boys in college cannot be trusted to keep it in their pants.

“She knew what would happen if she started drinking. We all know that the more people drink, the less likely they are to make wise decisions. It is common sense.” (Duh. However, some of us make silly decisions while sober as well…)

I find that argument disturbing on many levels because not only does it pardon the “perpetrator’s” actions but it also assumes that men are incapable of holding themselves to a higher standard, all men both good and bad.  Now, while I am not suggesting that I think it’s okay for girls to get themselves so “shit-faced” that they are rendered incapacitated but responsible drinking, among other reasons, should merely be a precaution against violence such as rape – Not giving the guy the “go ahead.”

I was also disturbed by the writer’s vilification of the theoretical victim, sympathizing with the accused and equating such “trauma” with a girl’s unexpected pregnancy.  Yes, I did just write that.

“I understand that matters like this can be painful and even tragic for those involved. The consequences can be severe for both parties. For the girl, it might mean an unexpected pregnancy, while the guy could be charged with rape.”

Now, I am not suggesting that all cases should be treated equally, nor that a false accusation is not traumatic, but I do believe that it is ignorance and misinformed statements such as the one above that make it more difficult for “real” rape victims to come forward.  One of the biggest fears a rape victim faces is that no one is going to believe her or even if they do, they would presume she was at least partially responsible.  With articles released like Miss Neagu’s, wouldn’t you be afraid of that?

For those of you interested in reading the article here is the address:  http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/02/22/25251/

p.s. Did anyone who read the article not find the judgment the writer passed on her “friend” a tad horrifying?