Everyone can help end sexual violence.

For most people, “feminist” is not the first word which comes to mind when thinking of Pope John Paul II, although I certainly believe he is one. And when writing on the topic of sexual assault, he expresses many thoughts that are as forward-thinking as almost any feminist out there.

For example, he wrote in 1995 that “we cannot remain indifferent and resigned before this phenomenon (of sexual violence),” and that “the time has come to condemn vigorously the types of sexual violence which frequently have women for their object and to pass laws which effectively defend them from such violence.”

His words get to the heart of the matter just as well as anything that has been written on this topic. Most of us are not “indifferent” about sexual violence, particularly if it happens to someone we know. But how many of us are simply “resigned” to the all-too-common occurrence of rape, domestic abuse, and other forms of sexual violence? We cannot be. Victims of sexual violence, and people who fear becoming victims, cannot afford this kind of complacent attitude. Indeed, the time has come to condemn all sexual violence, and despite any precautions that may or may not have been taken, to recognize that no victim “deserves” or “was asking” to be raped. Instead, the focus and blame should always be on the perpetrator’s actions, as it is for all other violent crime.

I bring in the brief words of the former pope to make the point that as we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month (in April), we must remember that sexual violence prevention is not just an issue for women or people who consider themselves politically “liberal.” Everyone has a role in ending sexual violence, regardless of gender, race, political or religious beliefs, or whether one considers oneself a “feminist” or not. In particular, it is important that both men and women work together on this issue. And although this isn’t only an issue for left-leaning people, on a campus that is regarded to be as “progressive” as ours, it is odd that there are only a few men involved in sexual violence prevention efforts. This should change. Everyone on this campus, male or female, has the power to contribute to a stronger movement against sexual violence. This is a community problem, this is our campus, and this is our problem.

One way to get involved is by attending any of the numerous events scheduled for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, including a screening of NO! The Rape Documentary in Ogg Commons at 8 pm on Thursday, April 17^th, featuring a talk by the director. The schedule, as well as other ways to get involved in the future, can be found on the website for PAVE (Providing Awareness, Victim Empowerment) at uwpave.rso.wisc.edu. I hope that everyone who reads this will at least consider getting involved to help create a community without sexual violence.

-Alex Wagner

UW PAVE Media Team

Senior, History and Political Science

ajwagner1@wisc.edu

NOTE: Yes, this is a reworking of an earlier post, the difference being that this one was submitted as an op-ed to the Badger Herald (though not published as of 4/23), and the other one was just sort of a random musing that I had back then.