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.

Wuerthele/Poe_Diverse

Texas State University Students take on the topic of sexual assault

By Paige Wuerthele and Chance Poe

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Students share their opinions on how Texas State University can help prevent sexual assault on Monday, April 1, on campus to support Sexual Assault Awareness month.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is a campaign led by The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) to educate the public in addressing this issue.

The Texas State University Police Department holds records that indicate there have been six cases of rape and seven cases of fondling on campus over the past three years.

John Bayard, Texas State University Senior, sheds light on how Texas State University can help victims.

"They should utilize the title IX outreach people [that] you can report to when stuff like that happens,” Bayard said. “Make sure certain parts of campus are better lit at night and the [blue light posts] work."

Stanley Chang is a sophomore majoring in advertising at Texas State. He also shared his opinions on the topic.

He said people should educate their friends and make sure they all know the risks of going out at night.

"We have the counseling center, but we could strictly have free counseling for sexual assault victims or just maybe a mandatory sexual assault class,” Chang said. “Educating those around us is what's most important."

If you have to walk on campus at night remember Bobcat Bobbies (512.245.7233) will provide escorts from dusk till 1 a.m., and The University Police Department (512.245.2805) will provide private escorts from 1 a.m. to dawn, seven days a week.

Sexual Assault in College- A Serious Issue

By Adriane Carbajal

SAN MARCOS, Texas—Almost 1 in 4 female undergraduates are exposed to some form of sexual assault while attending college.

According to The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) website the issue is not just isolated to females. About 5.4% of undergraduate males experience some form of sexual assault.

The United States Department of Justice website defines sexual assault as any non-consensual sexual act prescribed by Federal, tribal or State law.

Jane Brantley, who recently graduated from the University of Texas, said that alcohol and drug use can lead to situations where people are more vulnerable to sexual assault.

“There is also just the problem of men not understanding consent,” said Brantley.

RAINN defines consent as an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. The website also indicates that a person who is in an intoxicated state can more easily become a victim of sexual assault.

“I have seen it happen at parties and at bars, guys will hit on girls and grab their waists or butts without permission and it always happens when there’s alcohol in the picture,” said Amber Croft, a senior at Texas State University.

Croft also said that students should be better educated about consent.

The RAINN website lists sexual assault safety and prevention tips for students at www.rainn.org.

If you are a victim of sexual assault and need to speak to someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org. 

Widsom Akpan and Melody Martinez Diverse Sources

MC1313SPRING2019W

Wisdom Akpan and Melody Martinez's Diverse Sources

John Bayard

Male

Senior 

Houston, TX

When prompted about his definition of sexual assault, Bayard replied, "Any sexual act that is not consented to."

As far as how well the university handles sexual assault, Bayard said, "There's always room for improvement," and recommended ways the school could help victims.
"They should utilize the title nine outreach people you can report to when stuff like that happens. Make sure certain parts of campus are better lit at night and the [blue light posts] work," Bayard said. 

David Hanson
Male
England

Hanson defines sexual assault as "any unwanted sexual advancement from one person to another."

"Awareness advertising could help prevent sexual assault," Hanson said.

"Personally, communication with potential partners can help prevent assault," he said.

Brian DeLeon
Male
Junior
Germany

"As far as I know I haven't heard any incidents of sexual assault so I think it might not be a pertinent subject right now," DeLeon said.

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

"I recently took a survey for Texas State that talked about sexual assault on and off campus," he said.

"I know it's a topic that people might feel ashamed about, but someone can talk to me, talk to someone else about it, don't shy away from it," he said.

Avery Copely & Kiana Harden

We asked three female Texas State students if they thought sexual assault was a problem at the University, after all three quickly responded "yes", we had a few followup questions. 

Alysia Brittnee Whipple, 20

Female, 20

Junior

Digital Media and Mass Communications 

Alysia Whipple

How would you define 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 dont want to do.”

What should Texas State University do to discourage/condemn sexual assault and how do you think they can better help their victims on campus? 

"Interact more with their student body. They’re not really hands on. Making us watch one video during new student orientation is not going to help anything. And definitely sitting down with you in each organization to kind of make sure this is known that they’re not going to stand for it and make sure that the student body knows that that organization will stop anything that they see."

Kathryn Carlin Wiedman

Female, 20

Junior

Public Relations

Kathryn Wiedman

Have you previously experienced or witnessed any form of sexual assault? If so, explain.

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

What can you do personally to prevent sexual assault?

“You could be involved in a situation. 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.”

Celeste Leslie Pojas

Female, 20 

Senior

Family and Child Development

Celeste Pojas

What can you do personally to prevent sexual assault?

“Well on the Texas State campus, there is an organization called Not On My Campus which helps prevent sexual assault and spread the word and things like that.”

What should Texas State University do to discourage/condemn sexual assault and how do you think they can better help their victims on campus? 

“I think promoting Not On My Campus more but also I think being able to have students feel comfortable and reporting things and making sure that they’re actually going to be followed through with and taken care of and actually believing the victim”

Robin and Kristen's Diverse Sources

Ida Muhamira, African-American female

Classification: Freshman

Age:18

Occupation: Student

Q1: How would you define sexual assualt?

A: Nonconsensual, when you put yourself on someone and they are not consenting to it.

Q2: Have you experienced or witnessed any sexual assault while being at Texas State?

A: It was a party and there were mostly guys and they were bringing girls upstairs. I do not know exactly what they were doing, but some were really drunk. It seemed really sketchy, I left early, I don’t really know much about what happened,  but girls were brought upstairs and I don’t think they were consenting to it either.

Q3: They girls and guys were intoxicated?

A: The girls more so. I just got bad vibes and there were not that many girls, so when more of the girls were going upstairs it was like “oh there’s not so many girls, but so many guys”, It did not feel right.

Q4: How do you feel Texas State and as an individual we can prevent these incidents?

A: In the beginning of the school year they talked about alcohol, abuse and stuff like that. I think that is really helpful. It is good to know the friends you go with and stick together.  

Eduardo Nuñez, Hispanic male

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Simon, Texas

Age:25

Occupation: Manager of Teapioca Lounge

Q1: Have you experienced or witnessed any sexual assault while being at Texas State?

A: No.

Q2: Do you feel it is an issue at Texas State?

A: Yeah I feel like it is and an issue in everyday life. It is a common issue in the culture at almost every university.

Q3: Do you feel like Texas State prepares students to know what to do if found in those uncomfortable situations?

A: No, I don’t think they do. I never got any training of sorts or even a pamphlet. I don’t think they really do enough, I don’t think anywhere does enough, not just Texas State, just overall. This issue did not just happen overnight, it is an ongoing thing, its been here, it's always been here. I think it starts with the culture. You see it in Austin, you see it in San Antonio and UTSA, as well as here. You go into an environment and you can tell some bad shit is about to happen. Kids are too young, they are out here just living their life thinking, “I’m Superman, nothing is going to happen to me, I could do this back in the day and I can do here. Nothing is going to happen,” but there is repercussions to your actions.  

Q4: What precautions do you feel yourself or Texas State could take to prevent these issues?

A: Have more classes that preach about the experiences that other people have had about sexual assaults. I know it is hard for people to come forward and speak about their experiences, but I feel like if you take someone that had an experience like that, they are going to have to be very brave to do it, but I feel like that will open eyes of a lot of people who do not think its an issue.

Amber Croft, Caucasian female

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Georgetown, Texas

Age: 21

Occupation: Student; Desk Worker at Department of Housing at Texas State University

Q1: How would you define sexual assault?

A: It’s when someone tries to do something sexual with you without your consent like if a guy touches your leg without asking and that makes people uncomfortable.

Q2: Have you previously experienced or witnessed sexual assault? If so, explain?

A: I have seen it happen at parties and at bars, guys will hit on girls and grab their waists or butts without permission and it always happens when there’s alcohol in the picture.

Q3: Do you feel safe from sexual assault at Texas State?

A: Not really because I see a lot of news articles of girls around the area being sexually assaulted or attacked and it’s scary to think that those people doing those crimes could be in my classes.

Q4: What should Texas State University do to try to prevent these incidents from happening?

A: I think students should be more educated on what consent means and that “no” means no. At the end of the day if a person is evil enough to do it no class will prevent it but I think we should talk about sexual assault more often.

Paige Wuerthele and Chance Poe

Misty Poe
Austin, Texas
Graduated with a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Math
Superintendent of the Catholic Dioceses of Austin

What should Texas State University do to discourage/condemn sexual assault, and how can they better help the victim(s) on campus?  

“When I was there they implemented the help call boxes which provided comfort and some safety when you’re walking around campus.”

What can you do to prevent or help someone that has been sexually assaulted?"
“Victims need to have a safe place to go and speak to someone and they be dealt as a human being and take the situation seriously.”

When asked how Misty’s career has changed her perspective on sexual assault or how she would deal with it she said, “Working in education you hear of it a lot so in my field we have implemented training for men and women to go through to help them avoid being victims of sexual assault.”

Stanley Chang
San Marcos, Texas
Texas State University student
Advertising Major

How would you define sexual assault?

"People touching you in inappropriate places when you don't give your consent."

Have you previously experienced or witnessed sexual assault? If so, explain?

"I was at a club [in Austin] and we were dancing around and stuff and people came up behind me. I didn't even see them and they grabbed me by the waist. It's not as traumatizing because going to 6th street I kind of knew stuff like that would happen."

Did that experience affect you negatively in any way?

"Yeah, I felt really uncomfortable and embarrassed because I was being touched in front of a bunch of people, including my brother."

What can you do, personally, to prevent sexual assault?

"If you're ever going out with a group of friends maybe make some ground rules for the night and educate each other. Make sure your friends aren't being belligerent or too pushy on others."

Do you feel sexual assault is a problem at Texas State University?

"I have heard of some cases that college students go through, but I don't know if it's one of the big problems on campus. But I do know most of the incidences don't always get reported."

Do you believe Texas State University does a well enough job of preventing future sexual assaults? 

"I think so. Texas State offers a variety of resources, like the emergency call phone stations, but I feel like they could do more."

What should Texas State University do to discourage/condemn sexual assault, and how can they better help the victim(s) on campus? 

"We have the counseling center, but we could strictly have free counseling for sexual assault victims or just maybe a mandatory sexual assault class. Educating those around us is what's most important."

Sarah McDowell

20 years old

San Marcos, Texas

Texas State University student 

Not On My Campus Vice President of Operations

Delta Gamma sorority member 

How would you define sexual assault?

"Any form of unwanted sexual contact; so it could be verbal, physical, emotional."

Have you previously experienced or witnessed sexual assault? If so, explain?

"It was a really long time ago when I was a sophomore in High School. I went to homecoming with a good guy friend of mine. He ended up avoiding me all night and it really pissed me off and I was supposed to go to his house afterwards because he was throwing the afterparty. I ended up going anyways because all my friends were there. When I got there I was in a bad mood, so I started drinking a lot. I ended up getting really intoxicated and going unconscious. Before I did, I remember one of my other guy friends tried helping me and took me into my dates bedroom. At this point I was going in and out so I don't remember all of it but I remember [my date] touching me and making out with me. I was trying to ask my friend to help me so he came in and pulled my date off of me. After that I was unconscious for like two hours so I didn't know what was going on."

Did that experience affect you negatively in any way?

"In some ways. I don't think I have a problem with having relationships because I have since then. But it does make me feel uncomfortable when I know I'm going to be in a large group setting like that again and everyone is drinking I do get a little scared, especially when there are a lot of men. I don't blame myself, but I know that if I hadn't been unconscious I know that wouldn't have happened."


What can you do, personally, to prevent sexual assault?
"A part of me is just like we can do a lot, but the other part of me is like we probably aren't going to change much. This has been going on since like the beginning of time. I think just talking about it and not making it such a taboo topic helps. Even though it still happens, I feel like we've come a far way. No one used to talk about this, nor did they care. We turn on the TV now and everyone's talking about it and I think that's great."

Do you feel sexual assault is a problem in Texas State University?
"I think its' a problem everywhere, but I think we've come a long way. The start of Not On My Campus (NOMC) started the topic and we've been an organization for 3 years now."

What does NOMC do specifically to prevent sexual assault at Texas State University?
"We allow people to talk about it and allow a platform for everyone to be comfortable and giving them resources. We're non-profit, so everything we do we give to the women's shelter."

Do you believe Texas State University does a well enough job of preventing future sexual assaults? 
"I think there's always room for 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, its going to take a really long time. I mean look at how long it took us to just to even have the conversation about it."

How did NOMC help you?
"It allowed me to be okay with myself. I think it is really empowering when you help someone else heal, so the fact that [NOMC] has given me a chance to do that has helped me heal too."

Can you tell me more about NOMC?
"It was founded by another Delta Gamma who was also sexually assaulted. Her main thing like I said was to get people to talk about it. She wanted an atmosphere where people felt comfortable and had the opportunity to talk about that because she never did. We hold events and raise money for the Hayes Caldwell Women's Shelter. We've made survivor series where people come and share their stories. Mainly we want to get people to talk about it because if people are talking about it you'll be thinking about it more and therefore it wont happen as much. And it hasn't, it's gone down if you look back on the past 3 years at Texas State University."

What should Texas State University do to discourage/condemn sexual assault, and how can they better help the victim(s) on campus? 
"Here's the thing. People don't usually get raped on campus, this happens at parties and people houses. Can they physically be there? No, not really. Yes Texas State has resources [such as the counseling center and organizations like NOMC] but I feel like if professors in the beginning of the semester where just to like talk about it because it takes a person a really long time to talk about it so if people are talking about it more it would help."