The Student Wellness Commission (SWC) of USAC put on a campaign, 7000 in Solidarity, this week to promote awareness of rape culture. By informing students of the common and frequent occurrences of sexual assault on campus as well as the culture that surrounds it, the SWC hopes to create a safer environment at UCLA for each and every individual, however they identify.
Statistics show that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted in their lives. Hence, the 7000 students who are currently attending UCLA have or will have experienced sexual violence before they graduate. The commission states, “We must remain in solidarity with survivors and create a campus culture where sexual assault is not tolerable.”
It is important to understand that rape and sexual assault can happen to anybody, and therefore, keeping sexual violence a significant topic is vital for a more inclusive campus climate. Campaigns like these give survivors the ability to speak up, voice their concerns and share their experiences. And as students ourselves, we should be aware of the various resources provided to us by the campus and community.
Amongst our rigorous coursework, numerous extracurriculars, and everyday lives, we forget that any one of us can be in danger. So to say, we should always remember to stay informed and be aware. And most importantly, work to shape a safer campus.
Stand with the 7000.
