I had to sit, wait, and wallow in depression and anxiety for 5 months. However, the office of Student conflict and resolution (OSCCR) did insensitively tell me that “I filed my report too late” in late March/early April (because yes I scheduled my assault later than I should’ve?!?) and that I’d have to wait until the beginning of the next semester to address the report at a student judifciary hearing. They were a great support in addition to being a key element of the process. The police team that did my intake was specially trained to not victim-blame or skew the interview in any way even today, I still commend both officers who handled my case for employing great tact and empathy, and for validating all the way through even when they questioned my abuser. My school’s reaction was quite frankly mixed in some aspects, Northeastern University was prepared and trained to process an intake of a report of sexual abuse. What was your school’s reaction to what happened to you when you turned to the administration? And I couldn’t stand to be at fault when I had the power to prevent a repetition of the abuse and suffering I went through.
I knew that if I had let my perpetrator run away without consequence, he would hurt another victim. Honestly, the strength to stand up just came from within having grown up in a dysfunctional home punctuated time and again by emotional and physical abuse, neglect, and a bitter divorce that underlined it all, I’ve always had a strong conviction to go against the grain and do the right thing, at no matter what cost. With all taboo surrounding sexual violence, especially on college campuses, what gave you the courage to stand up to your abuser and speak out about your own personal experience? She is a sexual assault advocate and below is her story.
Last week, I had the opportunity to interview Ibis Valdes, one of the survivors on stage with Lady Gaga. I was so moved by the presence of the survivors on stage, I couldn’t help but applaud their strength. The human spirit is capable of overcoming obstacles and surviving.
When that curtain lifted and that box opened up, I was reminded that perseverance and strength exists in all of us. Then, Lady Gaga performed at the Academy Awards and asked survivors featured in the film to join her on stage. When you hear that sexual violence has always been a part of the college experience, it’s easy to feel angry and frustrated with the world. The set garnered a standing ovation and moved audience members including Kate Winslet and Rachel McAdams to tears.Watching The Hunting Ground, a documentary on sexual violence throughout college campuses in the United Stated, I felt probably every feeling imaginable. Towards the end of the performance, she was joined on-stage by a group of sexual assault survivors with various mantras, including "Not Your Fault," "Unbreakable," and "Survivor," written on their arms. PICS: Lady Gaga Goes Makeup-Free Before Her Big Oscars Performance, Shouts Out Leonardo DiCaprio and Keshaĭressed in all white, Gaga performed "Til It Happens to You" at a large white piano on a dimly lit stage. The Obama administration described the cause as a "new public awareness and action campaign designed to prevent sexual assault at colleges and universities, change the culture on our own campuses and better engage men in this effort." A public service announcement for the cause featured appearances from Jon Hamm, Kerry Washington, Questlove and Mayim Bialik.
Biden has been a longtime advocate against sexual assault and domestic violence, launching the "It's On Us" campaign in September 2014.