Texas State students take a stand against sexual assault

 By Noviah Wilkerson

NoviahSWilkerson@yahoo.com

SAN MARCOS, Texas— Texas State students were interviewed this week to get their input on sexual assault.

Students from different backgrounds and majors discussed their opinion on sexual assault, shared their own personal experiences and gave their input on how the university should handle it.

Texas State student and Public Relations major Justin Rosales shared his sexual assault experience in the interview to tell his story. 

Rosales said the incident happened when he was 19 and under the influence while at a party.

“I didn’t really know anyone and felt kind of alone in a sense.”

Criminal justice major Matthew David Chance discussed what he could do to prevent sexual assault.

Chance said, “I believe we have to teach our kids at a younger age the values and morals of assault. It can be a difficult thing, but it’s doable.”

Psychology major Jordyn Hayslett discussed what she felt Texas State should do to discourage sexual assault and how they could better help victims on campus.

Hayslett said Texas State should offer classes for empowerment, gatherings every week for advice and provide free counseling for victims.

To contact Texas State Police call 512.245.7233

Texas State students discuss the problem of sexual assault

Texas State students discuss the problem of sexual assault 

By Avery Copley

SAN MARCOS, Texas –– Texas State students were surveyed this week concerning the topic of sexual assault and how it affects the college. 

The students were asked many questions about sexual assault, and had varying opinions on what defines something as sexual assault. 

"I believe it's the act of having someone persuade you into committing a sexual act or coheres you into doing something you don't want to do,” said junior Alysia Whipple. 

When asked about past experiences with sexual assault, public relations major Kathryn Weidman recalled an incident involving a Texas State fraternity.

“I have been to a registered fraternity party and I have witnessed a female, under the influence, being touched and mishandled,” said Wiedman. 

Sarah McDowell, a member of Not On My Campus, believes that Texas State has enhanced its handling of sexual assault, but there is room for more improvement.  

“I had a friend call me and tell me it happened to her last semester, so if it's going to be a thing where people are trying to end it, it's going to take a really long time,” said McDowell. “I mean look at how long it took us to just to even have the conversation about it."

Stanley Chang, advertising major, said he believes that Texas State may benefit from a mandatory sexual assault class.

“Educating those around us is what's most important,” said Chang. 

Many students expressed how they believe it is important to not be a bystander.

"If you see it, do something about it,” said senior Jeremiah Griffin.

Sexual Assault Unfortunately Still Exists

Sexual Assault Unfortunately Still Exists

By Sean Allen

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Several students shared their thoughts over sexual assault this past week.

Fortunately, universities are taking precautions to help prevent the risk of sexual assault for their students and staff.

“Among undergraduate students, 23.1% of females and 5.4% of males experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.” Said RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.) “Among graduate and professional students, 8.8% of females and 2.2% of males experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.”

Of the universities researched, campus law enforcement has been able to attain rights akin to traditional law enforcement.

“86% of sworn campus law enforcement officials have legal authority to make an arrest outside of the campus grounds.” according to RAINN.

When defining sexual assault, Sarah McDowell gave a definition.

“Any form of unwanted sexual contact; so it could be verbal, physical, (or)emotional.” Said Sarah.

Matthew Chance offered a solid suggestion for the prevention of sexual assault.

“I believe we have to teach our kids at a younger age the values and morals of assault,” Matthew said. “It can be a difficult thing, but it’s doable.”

Greyson Fruge shared her thoughts when asked what Texas State University could do to discourage/condemn sexual Assault.

“I think Texas State should offer more safe spaces for assault survivors to speak with someone,” Said Greyson. “but also make sure that our campus is a place where people can feel safe when they walk around.”

Call Texas State Police at 512-245-7233, if you feel that you’re in imminent danger.

College Students Discuss Sexual Assault

College Students Discuss Sexual Assault

By Wisdom Akpan

SAN MARCOS, Texas — College students were interviewed about sexual assault this week at Texas State University and Buda.

Students from different colleges talked about their experiences with sexual assault and how they, and their university, could do a better job preventing future cases.

“Yes, I have been to a registered fraternity party and I have witnessed a female, under the influence, being touched and mishandled,” 20-year-old Texas State University student Kathryn Wiedman said. “If you see someone that is being assaulted, you need to step up and stand up for the because they cant do it for themselves.”

One of Texas State’s contributions on lowering sexual assault is sending out emails informing students about it. These emails are still being pushed out to Texas State students.

"They've sent out emails with lectures…that talk about sexual assault and how to avoid it," said Brian DeLeon.

St. Edwards University senior, John Bayard, believes there are better ways for the school to help victims.

"They should utilize the title nine outreach people you can report to when stuff like that happens,” said Bayard.

Texas State has multiple resources available for victims whether they are enrolled or not. 

To utilize these resources, visit: https://www.healthcenter.txstate.edu/AFTER-HOURS/sexual-assault-resources.html

Students take a stand on sexual assault

Students take a stand on sexual assault

By. Andrew ‘Fin’ Esteves

SAN MARCOS, Texas-Students of the Texas State campus were asked different questions on their take about sexual assault and how they stand on the issue.

Several people that were interviewed gave their honest opinion and wanted nothing more than to contribute to this discussion.

Student, Matt David Chance, said that kids can be shaped at a younger age in their life about the morals and values of respect toward one another. When a kid knows what’s right and wrong, they will understand each other.

“I believe we have to teach our kids at a younger age the values and morals of assault. It can be a difficult thing, but it’s doable”, said Chance.

Student, Greyson E Fruge,talkedabout how todiscourage sexual assault, and to help the victims on campus. 

“I think Texas State should offer more safe spaces for assault survivors to speak with someone, but also make sure that our campus is a place where people can feel safe when they walk around”, said Fruge. 

Student, Justin Rosales, gave an honest opinion on his definition of sexual assault and how many situations can be considered.

"Many factors can go into sexual assault. Sexual assault could be being groped or someone saying unwanted sexual things to you or even sending unsolicited nudes”, said Rosales.

To report any unwanted actions or to contact the campus police you can call, 512-245-7233.

Sexual Assault on campus may be dwindling down on Texas State Campus

Sexual Assault on campus may be dwindling down on Texas State Campus

By Alexis Moore

SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Students were asked about issues surrounding sexual assault on Texas State Campus this week to better prevent the sexual assault on the universities campus.

“11.2% of all students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation” said The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

Senior, Ricky San Andres, says he has not seen or been victim of sexual assault and adds that his comment may be an unpopular opinion. After asking Jeremiah Griffin the same question, the same response was given; that he had not experienced or been a victim of sexual assault.

Texas State University has precautions in place to help students in dangerous situations and when asking interviewees if the precautions were enough or what else they could be doing, there were an array of answers. 

"I think something Texas State could do is create a phone line for they or a friend to report sexual assault anonymously." said Aaron Rhone.

San Andres said “Having a class like a freshman seminar or meetings. Going about reporting it and how to keep each other safe” would help the campus prevent future incidents surrounding sexual assault.

Call National Center for Victims of Crime at 1-855-4-VICTIM to report a crime.

For Texas State Police call 512.245.7233.

Alexis Moore and Melina Ivy-Cruz

Alexis Moore and Melina Ivy-Cruz

Jeremiah Griffin, 24, Senior at Texas State, From Dripping Springs, TX

When asked if he has experienced sexual assault or witnessed it he responded with two "No"'s

If Texas State has a problem with sexual assault "No, not that I know of"

When asked if he thinks Texas State does a good job of preventing sexual assault he said "I haven't heard anything about it"

“Touching, or kissing or any form of physical touch without consent, but you can verbally do it too” is what he said when asked to define sexual assault. 

To prevent sexual assault he said "If you see it, do something about it."

“make sure everyone stays with protection, make it more aware, and if you’re a victim come forward”

Ricky San Andres, 25, Senior, from Dallas, TX

Ricky says he believes the city may have more of a problem with sexual assault than on campus and replied "Yes" to the question if Texas State is doing a good job on whether they're preventing sexual assault well enough.

“When one party puts towards sexual advances and the other party doesn’t” is how Ricky defines Sexual Assualt.

To help prevent sexual assault Ricky said “I personally, for example, my little sister goes to school here, I track her when she’s out on a date or out”

To help prevent sexual he said “Having a class like a freshman seminar or meetings. Going about to go over how to keep each other safe, and reporting it.”

Bianca Lizette Rivera, 23, non-college student 

Bianca said "Yes" to the the questions asking whether she had been sexually assaulted, witnessed sexual assault, and it is a problem at college campuses.

“During a course of sexual activity either the male or female, either from the start not wanting to participate or even midway through not wanting to participate and still gets no other option eithe physically or mentally” says Bianca

"Once was when I was very very young, I was like 8 years old. The other when I was in high school, I heard a friend saying no repeatedly and the other person not listening” said Bianca when asked if she had witnessed or been sexually assaulted. 

When asked what could be done about these incidences Bianca said “I actually feel like more people sharing their stories makes it a lot easier for other people to want to shake theirs. So they know they’re not alone on it. People should take away any stigma that makes others feel embarrassed about it.”

“I’m not sure if they have this but maybe some sort of group therapies for any gender, not just all female or all male.” said Bianca when asked what we could do to discourage/condemn sexual assault, and how can they better help the victim(s) on campus.