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Cayla Bush/Panther Press 2 Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 6, 2017 pantherNOW.com TAKE BACK THE NIGHT Women’s Center hosts rally to raise awareness on sexual assault

LIZANDRA PORTAL report sexual assault to law enforcement, Contributing Writer according to the Department of Justice. This will be the 13th annual “Take April is Sexual Assault Awareness Back the Night” event at the University, exual assault is more Month and the FIU Women’s Center but instead of a march and rally, it will common on college will be hosting a discussion panel called be a panel discussion this year. campuses compared to “Take back the Night” to help raise “This year we are going to have a other types of crimes. awareness on sexual assault and sexual sexual assault survivor as one of the Among undergraduate violence. speakers,” Rodriguez said. students, 23.1 percent of females and The event will take place on April 18 The FIU Police Department 5.4S percent of males experience rape or from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Graham Center One in five women are sexually assulted in college and a moderator from the Victim sexual assault through physical force, Ballrooms and is open to students, Empowerment program will also be guest violence or incapacitation, according to a community members, staff and faculty not aware of how prevalent the issue speakers. Rodriguez also mentioned that report from the Association of American of the university at no charge. of sexual assault is and help them get the Women’s Center is trying to confirm Universities on sexual assault and sexual “It’s great that we have a sexual informed. two guest speakers from the Nancy J. misconduct. assault awareness month in general “We are providing them with all because sexual assault is such a taboo the tools they need to help stop sexual subject,” said Daniel Pino, a Psychology assault,” said Amy Rodriguez, a graduate major. higher education administration major. Pino, lead peer educator at the Victim Rodriguez is one of the students Empowerment Program that works working in the Women’s Center helping 40 percent of victims fear reprisal by their attacker under Counseling and Psychological organize the event. Services, says the program is meant “We want students to come out of 80 percent of victims knew their attacker to help people who are victims of not the event knowing what sexual consent Cotterman Center, which provides crisis (friend,significant other, etc.) just sexual assault, but of any type of is,” Rodriguez said. “We want them to counseling and deals with victims of victimization. educate their friends and community human trafficking and a guest panelist Despite the high numbers of sexual “It’s nice to have a program that helps members of what they learned.” from the LGBTQA Initiatives under the assault victims, the AAU has also students with those types of issues,” Pino “Take Back the Night” was started Multicultural Programs and Services. found that college-age victims of sexual said. “But we also help students who in 1877 and was originally supposed to violence often do not report the incidents have friends who have been victimized.” be a march and rally for sexual assault to law enforcement. Only 20 percent The “Take Back the Night” event is awareness but it has grown a lot since of female student victims aged 18-24 geared toward helping students who are then, according to Rodriguez. Comedian to teach students about safe and consensual sex BARBARA BRITES infections and relationships. Her Morgan. “Audrie & Daisy” show the Staff Writer message is inclusive of and relevant story of two girls who were sexually to all genders, sexualities, and races. assaulted at parties at the ages of 14 aria Falzone, Morgan also explained that they and 15. After the assaults, the girls comedian and chose Maria Falzone because talking were bullied and harassed. one of the about consent is often a dreaded “It’s important that students watch most sought- topic for students. The topic is this film because many people don’t after college often approached with a tone that think about the aftermath of sexual speakers, wants to teach students everyone is a potential perpetrator assault – they only think about the aboutM sex and as part of sexual of sexual violence, and this assault itself,” Morgan said. assault awareness month, the approach doesn’t empower people Daisy was taunted in school and Women’s Center is bringing her to to be active bystanders and practice social media, and was shunned from the University. consent. Falzone uses humor and her community. Pictures of Audrie’s On April 13, Falzone will host entertainment, Morgan says, to show rape were shared among her a speaker series called “Sex Rules! how fun consensual sex is, what the classmates. One week after Audrie’s Laugh and Learn the Rules to rules are, and how to love and enjoy assault, she committed suicide, and Greater and Safer Sex.” your sex life in a safe way for you Daisy attempted suicide three times. and your partners. Morgan explained that victims As part of a larger initiative to are often blamed for their assault, increase awareness of sexual assault, and if they speak out about it, they the Women’s Center at the Biscayne are stigmatized and harassed. This ... We live in a society where Bay Campus also screened “Audrie can lead to dropping out of school, sex sells, but we’re often told & Daisy,” a Netflix documentary inability to work, and even suicide. not to have it outside of a exploring rape, trauma, power, and “It’s important that we not only heterosexual marriage, so we coming of age in the world of social work to prevent sexual assault media on April 5. by creating a culture of consent, don’t get sex advice, detailed “... We live in a society where sex but that we also work to prevent education on consent, and sells, but we’re often told not to have bullying – including cyberbullying – how to prevent STIs apart it outside of a heterosexual marriage, in order to properly care for victims from abstinence, so we don’t get sex advice, detailed and prevent retraumatization,” said education on consent, and how to Morgan. Meredith Morgan prevent STIs apart from abstinence,” The “Sex Rules” event will Coordinator Morgan said. be held at the BBC on April 13 in Women’s Center at BBC Morgan thinks that students will Wolfe University Center ballrooms be empowered to create the safe sex from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and life they want for themselves — MMC on April 14 in the Graham including abstinence, if that’s what Center Ballrooms from 7 p.m. until According to Meredith Morgan, they choose. They will learn how to 8:30 p.m. This and other upcoming coordinator of the Women’s Center communicate with potential sexual events can be found on their at BBC, “Sex Rules” is a comedy partners so that their sex is safe, fun, social media accounts: Facebook: show about how to have great and consensual. Women’s Center FIU and Instagram: sex that is safe and consensual, The documentary highlights @womenscenterfiu. while building in topics such as the re-traumatization of victims self-esteem, sexual transmitted after sexual assaults, according to pantherNOW.com Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 6, 2017 3

EDITOR’S NOTE FIUPD offers free It’s our job to lead the charge against sexual violence self-defense program EDITOR IN CHIEF BARBARA BRITES Sonia Meneses, a certified RAD to basic physical techniques to Sexual to the resources and Staff Writer instructor, has taught the program teach females how to prevent an assault conversations on campus. alongside Safety Officer Roberto unfortunate event. happens We want to break the ttackers always Leal since its introduction. Mayrin Ramirez, Higher far more silence that surrounds have a plan, and According to the FIU Police Education Administration, often on sexual assault and rape the FIU Police Department, self-defense is 90 attended the S.A.F.E. self college culture. Department percent mental preparedness; the defense class with two of her campuses To do that, we put wants women other 10 percent is physical. best friends. Ramirez wanted to CAYLA BUSH across together a magazine that to have one too. learn how to defend herself, feel the nation than should be features information from AThe FIUPD offers free self- safe and know what tactics use to accepted. the Title IX office, from defense techniques to all female avoid being a target. Along with these the Victim Empowerment students, faculty and staff and is “Both myself and two friends assaults come fear, victim Program and the National restricted to women only. The enjoyed and loved the class. We shaming or blaming and Organization of Women. course runs nine to 12 hours over Both myself and two friends saw a video of a scenario, which a furtherance of rape As an editorial board, the course of three or four days enjoyed and loved the class of is one of the common scenarios culture. we fight to dispel the with a minimum class of four ... They had very good we are faced with every day and Rape culture is a myth of the perfect victim. people. information, techniques how we can go about defending sociological concept used Anyone, including men, “The RAD [Rape Aggression and advice. Overall, an ourselves in each situation and to describe a setting in can be a victim of sexual Defense Program] is a way of amazing, life-changing we also had the opportunity to which rape is pervasive assault, regardless of their giving women the means of experience, practice self -defense moves,“ and normalized due to creed, religion or other empowerment through education Ramirez said. “They had very societal attitudes about background factors. and self-defense techniques,” Mayrin Ramirez good information, techniques gender and sexuality. It’s On Us to stop sexual Lieutenant Peter Canino said. Graduate and advice. Overall, an amazing In laymen’s terms, this assault on campus, and we “It’s to show them how to protect Higher Education Administration life-changing experience.” translates to a society in at Student Media would themselves and thereby, build Women interested in any which a victim is asked like to lead the charge. confidence.” of the classes can contact Law how much they drank If you have been The training includes both a Enforcement Officer Sonia prior to being violated and a victim of a sexual theory class and a technique class Meneses. She can be contacted assaulted; a culture that assault, the University’s in which females are given the “This program is realistic by phone: 305-348-6056 or by tells victims that they were Victim Empowerment opportunity to test their abilities and practical,” Canino said. email: [email protected]. They asking for their assault Program is equipped to during a simulated attack. “We want women to have a plan can also visit police.fiu.edu for based on the clothes they assist in moving forward, Women learn awareness because the attacker always has more information on the program wore on the way they regardless of if the assault techniques, prevention, risk one.” or the office in the PG5 Market behaved. is reported. reduction, and avoidance Self-Defense Awareness Station. Rape culture is wrong. VEP is located in strategies. They will also learn Familiarization Exchange is Being that April is Student Health Center how properly throw a punch, another self-defense course Sonia Meneses, instructor Sexual Assault Awareness 270 at MMC and Wolfe kick, how to escape a bear huge, offered by the FIU Police for Rape Aggression Defense Month, it’s important University Center 320 by among more. Department. Rather than a self- Program, declined to speak with that we bring light appointment only at BBC. The program was first defense class, this two-hour Student Media on the program. introduced to the University in program provides personal safety 2009 and law enforcement officer information and an introduction Consent: Continous ‘enthusiastic yes’ rather than ‘just a definitive no’ MARYBETH LORETTA room for miscommunication and can blur the lines of unconscious,” Delgado said. Contributing Writer consent. She then explained that this also applies to couples “You have people who say that if someone was who made the decision prior to drinking. seven-letter word stands between drinking a certain amount, then that means that … “Let’s say a sober couple agrees to have sex tonight sexual assault and consensual sex, and they’re looking at the situation and not the individuals. but then they drink, even if they agreed before, that that word is consent. goes out the window even if you have a legal contract Alyssa Delgado, lead peer educator signed by a lawyer it is invalidated because you are no of the Counseling Center and Victim longer sober,” said Delgado. Empowerment Program at the University, said that Valdes echoed that sentiment on the gray areas that theA difference between rape and sexual assault is that may occur under the influence. rape includes penetration, where sexual assault is There’s a lot of instances that could arise “If you have two people who are both drunk, that’s nonconsensual sexual contact. from blurring those lines ... If you don’t the only scenario that I can of where it could be be According to Daniela Valdes, president of the really murky,” said Valdes. define consent initially...if you don’t know National Organization of Women at FIU, consent has However, Valdes was reluctant to admit of a gray to be a “continuous yes” rather than just a definitive what a happy willing partner looks like area because it may be used to excuse sexual violence. no. then you’re going to get into the realm of “I think it [gray areas] happens most with people “There’s been a lot of campaigns about how ‘no’ sexual assault really quickly, [who] are with a boyfriend or girlfriend … It seems means ‘no’ and that’s … defining what consent is like there would be, but you have to be completely but I think a better way to put it is that it has to be a Daniela Valdes sure that the person you’re with is happy and content continuous yes — an enthusiastic yes,” said Valdes. President with what you’re doing,” said Valdez. “When you start Delgado stated simply that consent is essentially DNational Organization of Women saying gray areas … it makes it really easy for people giving your explicit permission that you are OK to to justify all of their terrible actions,” said Valdes. start or continue in a sexual act. She also went on to She then noted that sexual assault and rape are much explain that both people should be able to enjoy any more common and usually occur with familiar people, type of sexual contact. with 8 out of 10 victims knowing their attacker. “Oftentimes (sic) especially [with] people in So, if you don’t define consent initially … if you don’t “It’s a friend, it’s a boyfriend, it’s a girlfriend. It’s relationships, we find that you have to know how to know what a happy willing partner looks like, then a lot more common and it happens in more intimate read their body language,” said Valdes. “You have to you’re going to get into the realm of sexual assault spaces than you’d think. So no, I don’t think there’s a know how to read the person … you’re engaging with really quickly.” gray area,” said Valdes. and if they’re uncomfortable…[you have] to know Both Valdes and Delgado mentioned that a person For more information on consent, visit vep.fiu.edu that’s not an enthusiastic yes. Consent would be a very cannot give consent if they are intoxicated, passed out, or their offices at the Modesto Maidique Campus in the happy resounding yes the whole time you’re doing disabled or a minor. Student Health Center, room 270 or by appointment at whatever you’re doing,” said Valdes. “By Florida state law, you cannot give consent the Biscayne Bay Campus. She adds that by not defining consent, it leaves if you are drunk, high, mentally disabled, asleep or PantherNOW.com Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 6, 2017 4

PURPLE FLAGS TO RAISE AWARENESS

For me, all of the events and this display... is meant to help people know that they are not alone, that it is okay to talk about [sexual assault], and that it is not the victim’s fault, it’s the perpetrator’s fault

Bronwen Bares-Pelaez Director Women’s Center FIU

Nia Young/Panther Press

FIU changes its ‘application’ “It’s On Us” to report of discrimination law sexual assault cases

students are handled by of sexual harassment, EOPD WHAT’S UP FIU JOSHUA CEBALLOS Student Conduct and Conflict and Student Conduct makes others.” Assistant Entertainment Resolution, according to sure that students get the “Universities need to stop Director the sexual misconduct proper psychological help trying to treat this as a PR informational pamphlet from CAPS if necessary, helps problem, and treat it as the IU students who provided by the EOPD. refer students to the Victim civil rights and public safety are the victims “Students can report Empowerment Program, and issue that it is. It’s happening of sexual [sexual misconduct] in a also accompanies victims in on their campuses, undeniably. misconduct such number of ways… they can reporting the incident with the LAQUAVIA SMITH There’s no use putting their as harassment, come in in-person; they can police department on or off heads in the sand,” Lisa Maatz, inappropriate touching, rape, call us on the telephone. What campus if the student feels it Approximately 23 percent vice president of government or Fdiscrimination, can report we try to do is make ourselves is necessary. of females and 5.5 percent of relations at the American the incidents with the office of accessible to the students so For those who may males experience rape or sexual Association of University Equal Opportunity Programs that we can contact them and not know where EOPD, assault through physical force, Women, said to the Washington and Diversity (EOPD) in PC violence or incapacitation, Post. 321. according to the Rape, Abuse & However, legislative Shirlyon McWhorter is the Incest National Network. action has tried to minimize director of EOPD and a Title RAINN, an anti-sexual the attitude universities have IX coordinator. McWhorter violence organization that towards rape. In 2016, for oversees the operations of her aims to enlighten, protect and example, students and parents office and others, and ensures One of our concerns is not just addressing the provide for victims of sexual were able to access for the first that FIU is adhering to the investigation… but also, first and foremost, to make assault, rape or abuse and those time precise data on the volume Title IX law. sure that that student is okay, to make sure that that who witness it, created the of rape reports on each campus “Title IX is a 1972 law student is whole national “It’s On Us,” campaign due to a modification within that’s been around for quite to address sexual assault on their disclosure rules. some time. Most people are college campuses. Colleges were once required familiar with Title IX as Shirlyon McWhorter A few issues “It’s On Us” to disclose under the federal it applies to sports… Title Title IX Coordinator aims to solve or regulate Clery Act the number of IX applies to any type of Equal Opportunity Programs and Diversity includes the stigma of a rape “forcible sex offenses,” reports discrimination based on sex or victim being a woman. A crime which cover a variety of crimes gender,” said McWhorter. can not, in any way, shape or including rape. Whereas people normally form, be genderized. But, since 2016, these think of Title IX as the law that Rape victims and perpetrators reports are now deciphered requires women’s basketball can at any time, any place and based on the precise act and as teams to be treated just as for whatever reason, be both a separate statistic, along with fairly as men’s basketball they can contact us in the way the Victim Empowerment male and female in no relation modifications to the definition teams, FIU takes their that is most convenient to Program, or Student Conduct to the other. of rape: “Penetration, no matter approach to a different level, them,” said McWhorter. is, McWhorter said that FIU is The “It’s On Us” campaign how slight, of the vagina or anus according to McWhorter. McWhorter said that prepared to direct them. here at FIU is consistently with any body part or object, or “The law didn’t change, students normally go to “We’ve trained the contributing to the culture oral penetration by a sex organ but our application of this Student Conduct because it’s university faculty and staff of FIU through events, open of another person, without the law has changed. Now we’re what people are familiar with. here at the university to deal discussions, tabling and even consent of the victim.” looking at it holistically. At Student Conduct, students with Title IX as well, so even speakers. But, aside from our But what is new is not Any type of behavior dealing will fill out a form about the if a student went to someone own “It’s On Us” campaign, replacing what is broken. with sexual misconduct [or] incident and the office will else and it wasn’t my office… students and parents nationwide Despite the new changes to dealing with sex and gender… conduct an investigation, and those faculty members are are upset, claiming that regulations, many rapes are still what Title IX says is that ensure that the student’s needs trained, they know about numerous universities are going unreported. educational institutions, are are met. my office, they know where downplaying assault as a whole “Politico” did their own not to discriminate or to “One of our concerns [students] should go,” said and are practicing the act of not investigation stating, “Florida’s allow discrimination at your is not just addressing the Mcwhorter. reporting “on-campus” sexual colleges and universities report school,” said McWhorter. investigation… but first The Resident Assistants in assualts and/or rapes. among the lowest rates of EOPD handles cases of and foremost, to make sure the FIU dorms are also trained According to the Washington on-campus rape in the nation, sexual misconduct that that that student is okay, to to direct students to the EOPD Post, incidents that have and relatively few of the state’s occur between a student and make sure that that student is according to McWhorter, occurred included a “university higher education institutions a staff member, or a student whole,” said McWhorter. so should an RA receive a fail[ing] to respond effectively are under federal investigations and a faculty member. Cases McWhorter says that when complaint, they’ll know what to reports of sexual assault of misconduct between a student reports an incident to do. involving football players and SEE REPORT, PAGE 5 PantherNOW.com Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 6, 2017 5 Victim Empowerment Progam We should join seeks to ‘promote recovery’ state schools and ANGELIQUE DUCOUNGE then lay out whatever options behind in their lives and their the fee— and are confidential. Staff Writer there are depending on what’s goals that it becomes a thing Filing a police report is not happened or is happening with that really is disruptive and has required to receive assistance inety the student but we only fulfill a lasting impact on their lives,” and university records will report abuse percent of the options that they choose,” said Aaron. never show that a student all campus said Aaron. A 24-hour support hotline received services from the REPORT, PAGE 4 rapes occur In addition to supportive rotates between victim VEP. when crisis counseling, the center advocates to ensure someone “The number one priority for for potentially State University is alcohol was used by either the also offers accompaniment will always be at hand to us is the safety of the student,” mishandling sexual planning to issue a victimN or the assailant; most meetings which sees a licensed answer the phone. Depending said Wendy X. Ordóñez, an violence incidents.” survey as well. victims, both male and female, staff member accompanying on the severity of the situation outreach coordinator for the Despite the FIU has not are raped by an acquaintance center. “We’re not going to positivity in the participated in the or a romantic partner, not a force them to do anything.” article, students and survey, but it would stranger. Ordóñez notes that victims suggest that be a great idea to do This is where the Victim What we do is we explain choices, help educational events also the sexual incidents so. As a community Empowerment Program at FIU encompass a large part of do not correspond we should play our identify needs and do safety planning. comes in. the Victim Empowerment accurately to the part in being aware, “Our mission is to promote Then lay out whatever options there are... Program, with around 170 reports. The article alert and active in the recovery of victims of with the student but we only fulfill the presentations taking place suggests that in order trying to decrease violent crimes,” said Sharon options that they choose throughout the year, with The to collect relevant the chances of rape, Aaron, licensed clinical Peer Education Program as data, campuses need sexual assault and social worker and director of Sharon Aaron a main component in their to issue Climate sexual abuse. That the VEP program. “Also to Director educational offerings. Surveys asking means going against prevent retraumatization in the Victim Empowerment Program The Victim Empowerment questions regarding the bystander- aftermath of their victimization, Program’s office is located rape, sexual effect and reporting and to promote awareness students to places like the courts and the student’s needs, in the Student Health Center, assault and sexual anything and through prevention education or rape treatment centers. a professional will either room 270. Students that attend harassment. everything. for the university.” They can provide assistance schedule an appointment the Biscayne Bay campus and Florida The program focuses on with filing for restraining orders with the counseling center at any other student looking to universities that have Laquavia Smith relationship violence, including or student conduct complaints the student’s convenience, or schedule a regular appointment participated in these is a staff writer for sexual battery or stalking, while against their assailants, as reach out to them in person and should call 305-348-2277. surveys include: Panther Press. Her the center’s licensed clinicians well as facilitating academic accompany them in seeking Services are provided to University of column, What’s Up also work to provide assistance accommodations by speaking out medical services. all members of the FIU Florida, University FIU, is a commentary and support for victims of hate with financial aid or professors The program’s services are community, including students, of Miami and on the latest style and crimes and hazing. when a crisis causes disruption covered in full by the student’s faculty, staff, and university University of South entertainment news. “What we do is we explain in a student’s academic life. mandatory health fee —FIU visitors. Florida. Florida choices and help identify “We want to help students online students can receive needs and do safety planning, recover and not get so far services as well, if they pay

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Register Online! www.ut.edu/summer SUMMER SUMMER 6 Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 6, 2017 PantherNOW.com RAPE CANNOT BE IGNORED Society needs to confront rape culture’s toxicity

PANTHER with things simply because “boys rape culture is. about rape. to stop rape culture from saturating HEALTH will be boys.” When talking about rape culture, It’s the idea that only certain our life and contributing to this toxic Rape culture is a complex we have to consider cultural practices people rape — and only certain mindset, it’s even more important that of beliefs, but for the most part, people get raped; it’s reprimanding everyone has a clear understanding normalizes and condones physical women to “be more responsible” or of what falls under the umbrella of and emotional terrorism against “don’t dress a certain way”; it’s the sexual assault. women. assertion that wives, sex workers and In partnership with PSA from the What people need to realize is The correct word for sex sisters can’t be raped; it’s the man “It’s On Us” campaign, former Vice that all forms of sexual assault and without consent is rape. who forces himself onto an attractive President Joe Biden recently tweeted, MAYTINEE harassment are traumatic, instead of Period. woman because “he couldn’t help “The correct word for sex without KRAMER brushing them aside. In other words, himself” and so much more. consent is rape. Period.” Joe Biden According to a 2010 National there needs to be a cultural shift to fix All of this is the myriad ways All incidents need to be taken 47th Vice President of the United States Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence rape culture. in which rape is tacitly and overtly seriously and treated as crimes and Twitter Survey, “sexual violence, stalking As defined by the United States encouraged. it’s important to confront rape culture and intimate partner violence are Department of Justice, sexual assault More often than not, sexual as the toxic it is. major health problems in the United includes “sexual activities as forced assault, rape and general violence are States.” sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, ignored, trivialized, normalized or Maytinee Kramer is the Assistant Our understanding of these forms child molestation, incest, fondling, made into jokes. Women and victims Opinion Director for Panther Press. of violence has gradually grown over and attempted rape.” that we commonly engage in together of rape culture are oppressed and Her column, Panther Health, is a the years, but rape culture is still However, most people don’t as a society that excuse or tolerate blamed, leaving them feeling alone, commentary on maintaining one’s perpetuated by society, and gives know what rape culture looks like, sexual violence. Moreover, we need trapped, and ashamed. health during college. men the idea that they can get away therefore they don’t understand what to look at the way society thinks While it’s crucial to take action Fame not an excuse Women are not objects

POLITCOBUZZ but we have to abide by the unspoken for victim-blaming rules that we have to censor our freedom of expression in order to save SERIOUSLY, Depp’s fame, wealth and social causes.” ourselves. FOLKS status in Hollywood, This occurs with many According to stoptheharrassment. the repercussions for his celebrity cases, where the org, 75 percent of female respondents supposed actions against man walks away from the have been followed by an unknown Heard would’ve destroyed ordeal without so much a stranger in public. More than 27 FABIENNE his career in the blink of an scratch on his career. percent have been followed at least six FLEURANTIN eye. Casey Affleck has had times. About 62 percent of women say a man has purposely blocked their path The fact is, many people several allegations of sexual Grocery shopping should be a no at least once and 23 percent said this can’t find it in themselves harassment and verbal abuse brainer right? Get in, get out and bring CAROLINE has happened at least six times. to believe that their beloved against him and yet, he still your groceries to your respective LOZANO Nearly 57 percent of women reported actor, actress or musician won Actor in a Leading Role transportation. being touched or grabbed in a sexual I’ve always admired could commit such a horrible at the Academy Awards Well, two girls tried that approach, way by a stranger in public while about Johnny Depp for his acting crime. earlier this year. but it didn’t turn out so well. 18 percent said they have been touched ability and the films he They raise their celebrity Where was the outrage? They just exited a Publix with a sexually at least six times. starred in. Some of his films to the level of a deity and Where were the avalanche few grocery bags and as they passed It’s the sad truth that some people like “Edward Scissorhands” thus, the latter becomes of comments calling Affleck a Dollar Tree on their way to the believe women crave attention based and “Corpse Bride” remain untouchable. degrading names? among my favorites even Denial sets in and anger Heard and the other today. is then shoved onto the women who were brave But when news about accuser, who is made to look enough to report their Depp’s domestic abuse like the villain. abusers didn’t gain anything If we continue to perpetuate this rape culture that we’ve scandal emerged last year, Unfortunately, Depp’s from their accusations. I was both shocked and abuse towards Heard is They risked their careers created...we will denigrate the female gender altogether. disappointed. I will never just a number on a long list by calling out these men on see Depp the same way of public figures who’ve their alleged behavior. again. abused their partners. Victim-blaming only What shocked me Actors and musicians prevents a woman from more, however, was the alike such as Sean Penn, reporting a crime and unwarranted hatred that was John Lennon, Chris Brown creates a cycle where abuse bus stop, the girls caught unwanted on the way they dress or claim they directed at his now ex-wife, and Michael Fassbender lingers. It also permits these attention from two men perched on the want something by the way they dance. Amber Heard, mostly by his have abused or been accused celebrities, who are used to wall beside the store. In reality though, we are just trying fans. of abuse by their former being accoladed with praises The girls walked on, one oblivious to enjoy ourselves, for ourselves, by Comments ranging from girlfriends and wives. And and awards, to continue their to the sudden matching footsteps that ourselves. We don’t want any extra “gold digger” to “attention- it’s been happening for a actions without punishment. lurked behind them while the other attention. seeker” to describe Heard long time. A line has to be drawn grew more weary because they entered If we continue to perpetuate this rape were thrown around in In Penn’s case, he somewhere. People should an empty mall parking lot. culture that we’ve created by making it comment sections even after committed violence against be aware that their favorite The two men began catcalling them, okay to treat women as objects, with no she released proof of his his-then wife Madonna actors, musicians, NFL telling them to stop and wait for them, sentiments or opinions and accept this assaults with photos. (yes, the Material Girl) by players or whoever are but the girls didn’t slow down. Trying behavior as normal, we will denigrate At first, I couldn’t torturing her for nine hours capable of being awful to be safe and secure, they headed the female gender altogether. understand why so much in 1987, according to The people, just like anyone else. towards the nearest store in the mall to This was never okay and we should anger was being forced onto Huffington Post. Fame and fortune does surround themselves with people. take into account how these actions the shoulders of this young Without much regard not excuse someone for their One of the men, however, saw the affect our society today and generations woman. What exactly did about his treatment of actions. girls go inside, and continued to follow later to come. Heard do to merit this type Madonna, Penn became them. The girls screamed and went on of attention? successful in the industry. Caroline Lozano is their way hoping to get on the bus one Fabienne Fleurantin is a staff Depp isn’t perfect; he’s The same Huffington Post a contributing writer way or another. writer for Panther Press. Her column, human, despite what some article states that Penn “has for Panther Press. Her One of those girls was me. PoliticoBuzz, is a commentary that of his movies may tell us. gone on to star in dozens of column, Seriously, Folks, is This is something that many women raises awareness about political issues Why were people defending critically-acclaimed movies, a commentary on the arts and girls experience when they walk in the US and worldwide. him so much? won two Academy Awards, and entertainment industry the streets alone. If it weren’t for and become a champion and how it relates to society Not only do we fear for our safety, of numerous political and today. 7 Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 6, 2017 PantherNOW.com

PANTHER EDITORIAL Sexual assault can happen to anyone, anywhere

When it comes to sexual actions like a bank leaving France, it would have been men (or any attacker) to a being attacked in such a bodies and wishes. Educate assault or harassment, its safes unlocked and revealing for a woman to shark in a feeding frenzy way. It is sexist on every them on the importance there is no such thing as a getting robbed, or wearing show her hair in public. In would suggest that these front. of consent. Teach them “perfect” victim. a meat dress in a shark tank colonial Europe, showing people, particularly men, The best way to prevent to defend themselves so Nothing is black and and getting bitten. legs even with hose and can’t control themselves sexual assault is to attack they have a way to protect white. Anyone can be “She was asking for it,” bloomers still on was and are slaves to their the rape culture that exists themselves in a situation assaulted and no victim is the common phrase, and risqué. libidos, regardless of all over the world. This that requires it. And if of any assault should be what an insensitive, untrue The 1920s saw hemlines whatever consequences way, the disease, rather anyone you know is ever blamed. phrase it is. Comparing a increase almost up to the that may bring. than symptoms — or worse, handling sexual assault, Men and women human being to a building knees, which would have It’s the same as the the pseudo-symptoms like be a friend, a parent or a of all races, religions, that is only good for storing been nearly blasphemous “boys will be boys” arguments used in victim partner who is supportive nationalities and money is a continued twenty years prior. But argument. This comparison blaming — is stopped. of the victim’s recovery. socioeconomic statuses are acceptance of the idea that society today doesn’t also implies that women are Don’t tell them that Treat it like any other at risk of rape because no women are property; that concur that if someone expected to be the adults, wearing what makes them crime: report it and remind one has inherent immunity. they do not have their own walks about with ankles the bigger person, by sitting feel good is the price they the victim that he or she The fact that the idea of autonomy. bare and hair flowing in the back and taking whatever pay for assault. Don’t did nothing wrong, that a standard “victim profile” There are two wind he or she deserves to comes their way because persuade them that women they did nothing to provoke for cases of rape exists major issues with these be raped. they’re too ladylike and are the only ones allowed this, and that it’s nothing is telling of blatant rape comparisons. What someone wears or simultaneously too weak to to be victims of sexual that makes him or her any culture. No other crime Firstly, the standards even how someone behaves prevent it. violence. Don’t teach less worthy of self-care and profiles or shames its victim for what clothing is is not an excuse to attack And lest we forget that them that men are to be love. as much as rape. considered sexual in nature him or her and certainly not men can be raped too, feared and that women are If everyone does this, A girl wearing a skirt to are arbitrary and have tools with which to blame by either sex, this phrase inherently weak. we can start a revolution a party and getting raped changed drastically over him or her if attacked. also implies that men are Instead, raise your in the way the world views is frequently compared to the centuries. In medieval Secondly, comparing superior and incapable of children to respect others’ rape cases and its victims. Stop excusing the phrase, “Boys will be boys”

PULITZER’S psychologist and life coach Dr. Lisa Unfortunately, these terms “harsh” considering Turner’s honored This has normalized rape culture, PHENOMENA Kaplin spoke of the importance of eventually follow men and women life as an athlete at Stanford. making rape the most underreported teaching our children what love well into adulthood. According to Persky, Turner was crime. The National Sexual Violence doesn’t look like. Resource Center “estimates that 63 “Depending on the child’s age percent of sexual assaults are never we can add some explanation of reported to police.” why some kids might punch, hit, Boys can only be boys for so etc. We would explain that that is Depending on the child’s age we can add some explanation long, and hostility towards another about control, not liking or caring for of why some kids might punch, hit, etc. We would explain doesn’t equal love or affection. The someone,” Kaplin said. normalization of these attitudes DANIELA If that’s not what love looks must be put to a halt alongside the PEREZ like, where does this ideology even Dr. Lisa Kaplin inclusion of these terms in modern Psychologist and life coach Any woman can empathize with stem from? The idea that a boy may day vocabulary. Babble the constant defense mechanisms like someone if he’s violent and the And always keep in mind that used by adults to describe boys and connotation behind “boys will be abuse towards women is intolerable men. Regardless of sexuality, the boys” creates a societal malignant Just look at the recent case of Brock just trying to “have fun” and took it by all means; not because you have defending of men begins at a young tumor. Turner, a rapist who also happened to “too far” with his intoxication. He a sister, a mother, or a daughter, but age where girls may meet petulant Psychologist Elizabeth J. Meyer be an athlete at Stanford University. didn’t say “boys will be boys,” but he because she’s a human being. male children. from Psychology Today describes the Turner’s “media popularity” may as well have done so. Upon voicing their concerns to an dangers behind the inclusion of terms stemmed from the light sentence he The Stanford case is not the first Daniela Perez is a staff writer for adult, the response, “He’s only mean like “boys will be boys” as a prompt to received; a trifling 6 months in jail as nor the last to exhibit this apathy Panther Press. Her column, Pulitzer’s because he likes you,” is unfortunately construct gender stereotypes, leading a punishment for “ruining a life” as towards rape. Many universities such Phenomena, is a commentary on the most common reply. As they grow, towards the formation of unconscious told by Selena Strandberg from the as Harvard and the University of human interest. this gives boys the idea that they can biases, which in the end, “limits the Observer. Connecticut have been called out on get away with anything they want. full expression of children; confining The judge that sentenced Turner, their aloofness towards the women In an interview with Babble, them to socially constructed pink and Aaron Persky, simply felt that who have come out to confess their blue scripts.” anything more would have been abuse. MAGAZINE PANTHER EDITORIAL BOARD Director Robert Jaross Panther Press is published on Mondays Editor in Chief Asst. Director and Thursdays during the Fall and Spring semesters and once a week during Cayla Bush Alfred Soto Summer B. One copy per person. Additional News Director CONTACT INFORMATION copies are 25 cents. Panther Press is not Martina Bretous responsible for the content of ads. Ad Sports Director Modesto Maidique Campus: GC 210, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. content is the sole responsibility of the Jayda Hall (305) 348-2709 company or vendor. Panther Press is an Opinion Director Biscayne Bay Campus: editorially independent newspaper partially WUC 124, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. Michelle Marchante funded by student and services fees that are (305) 919-4722 Entertainment Director appropriated by Student Government. Editor-in-Chief: Nia Young (305) 348-1580 Multimedia Director [email protected] Cornell Whitehead Advertising: (305) 348-6994 Production Manager [email protected] Nia Young

SEND US YOUR LETTERS DISCLAIMER EDITORIAL POLICY Have something on your mind? Send an email to [email protected]. Be sure The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views Editorials are the unified voice of the editorial board, which is composed to include your name, major and year and a photo of yourself. Letters must be of The Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from of the editor in chief, management, and the editors of each of the four less than 400 words and may be edited for clarity and length. Panther Press editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers sections. Panther Press welcomes any letters regarding or in response to will only run two letters a semester from any individual. and/or members of the University community. its editorials. Send them to [email protected] 8 Panther Magazine – Thursday, April 6, 2017 www.PantherNOW.com Universities must create ‘zero-tolerance policies’ for student’s safety on campus

penetration of an Turner’s light punishment WEEKLY WHY Former intoxicated person sparked a national Stanford and penetration of an conversation about rape University unconscious person.” culture and the definition student Turner only served of consent, particularly and three months in prison after Turner’s father swimmer and was released in publicly released a letter Brock September 2016 to asking the judge not to JULIETA RODRIGO Turner serve three years of ruin his son’s life for became probation at home. “20 minutes of action.” a household name after His sentencing also Angeline Stefano, sexually assaulting an includes attending a sophomore studying unconscious woman counseling for a minimum chemistry, told Student behind a dumpster of one year, where his Media that the Turner in January 2015 and distorted views of sex and ruling was “unacceptable receiving a relatively relationships with others and disappointing.” light prison sentence. will be psychologically Daniel Estevez, a junior The victim released a examined and treated. studying psychology, said gut-wrenching statement Deputy District he’s seen the party culture that drew the attention Attorney Alaleh Kianerci at college tailgates of millions around the recommended a six-year and fraternity parties. nation and worldwide. prison sentence due to “There is a lot of “You don’t know me, Turner’s evident lack alcohol and drug use but you’ve been inside of remorse and the in these events, and me,” she said to Turner victim’s vulnerable state. students of both sexes during trial, “and that’s However, Judge Aaron prey on each other,” he why we’re here today.” Persky ruled that Turner’s said. “It’s kind of like a In March 2016, previous lack of criminal game to see who can get wasted and hook up with someone fastest, but the issue comes when they are so intoxicated that they can’t think clearly or express consent.” It is obvious that the nation must demand that There is a lot of alcohol and college campuses create drug use in these events zero-tolerance policies and the judicial system [tailgates] , and students must hold perpetrators accountable for their of both sexes prey on each felonies. Associations like Greek life and college other. It’s kind of like a game athletics must reform to see who can get wasted their social cultures and encourage safe and hook up with someone partying and drinking. As students involved fastest, but the issue comes in clubs and athletics, we must be role models for when they are so intoxicated our peers and discourage that they can’t think clearly these destructive attitudes regarding sexual assault, or express consent. consent, college drinking, and party culture. Victims of sexual assault are among our Daniel Estevez classmates and friends, Junior and we should protect Psychology them. FIU has to become a safe campus for all of its students, because you and I could be the next victims of assault. the jury found Turner history and the presence Julieta Rodrigo is a guilty of three felony of alcohol signified staff writer for Panther counts: “assault with that Turner was acting Press. Her column, Weekly intent to commit rape foolishly, but it wouldn’t Why, is a commentary on of an intoxicated or likely occur again. the latest issues in sports. unconscious person, The anger around

graphic by Julieta Rodrigo

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