The "Call for Change" was made more than two decades ago! 15 years ago our daughter's call was now a cry for change. Then again almost 10 years ago with the release of the documentary "The Hunting Grounds", that cry for change became a “scream” for change. All have been ignored, all fell on deaf ears. Sexual assault remains a decades long crisis on college campuses, affecting the lives of countless young females. This disturbing trend, close to 30% of female college student are victims, not only does this shatter the sense of safety that should accompany the pursuit of higher education but also leaves long-lasting emotional and psychological scars that the affects are felt for a life time. Oh yes, keep in mind that only 20% of these attacks are even reported. As frightening as that 30% is, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Seemingly, most just rather make believe it does not exist. Sadly, the ones that do want to talk about it and face it head on are those whose lives have already been affected by or are survivors of sexual assault. Let’s explore the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, the impact it has on victims, and the urgent need for comprehensive changes to create safer learning environments. The most important topic, though, is the one that decades later, after the calls, the cries and screams remain ignored - A solution! For decades our daughters and sisters, victim after victim, year after year, generations of women have battled lifelong trauma that started with an attack stemming from this crisis before they even had the opportunity to reach their full potential. Still nothing. Colleges and universities utilize the band aid of raising awareness, activist groups removing that stigma of victim and replacing it with survivor. Still nothing.
A person made a comment to me that maybe it's not the place for a man to discuss this issue. Maybe some of you agree with that statement but I will tell you the same thing I told them: my 17-year-old daughter is getting ready to go off to these "Hunting Grounds". With all due respect, that puts my place as her father directly in the center of the sexual assault conversation. So, here I am in the middle of this crisis, and I still have yet to read or hear anything remotely close to a solution. Empower Academy provides the only solution. First, let's crunch some disturbing data to provide a clear picture of our situation:
The Alarming Statistics:
Recent studies and surveys continue to highlight the alarming frequency of sexual assault incidents on college campuses. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 26.4 percent of women will experience rape or sexual assault during their college years through physical force, violence, or incapacitation. This statistic underscores the urgency of addressing this issue and implementing effective preventative measures. Preventative is the key word in that sentence. Raising awareness and changing stigmas are reactive measures. Self Defense or a form of martial arts, again are reactive measures. At the end of the day, all these measures do nothing to ensure your daughter and my daughter do not become a victim.
The Impact on Victims:
Sexual assault has profound and lasting effects on survivors. Beyond the physical trauma, victims often grapple with emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you find peace of mind in your daughter earned that black belt in Ju Jitsu, I'm sorry but here is the truth of the matter. If our daughter by the grace of God survives or actually "won" against her attacker, did she really "win”. No, she still lost because she still will have the same long-lasting effects listed above. The aftermath of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault can disrupt academic pursuits, hinder personal development, and create a pervasive culture of fear among students.
The Campus Culture:
Colleges and universities must take a critical look at their campus culture, examining how it may inadvertently contribute to a climate where sexual assault can thrive. Bystander intervention, consent education, and fostering a culture of respect are essential components of creating an environment where students feel safe and supported. Unfortunately, implementing and enforcing this would mean this issue is real and happening on their campuses, which is bad business.
Reporting Barriers:
A significant challenge in combating sexual assault on college campuses is the underreporting of incidents. Many victims fear retaliation, disbelief, or the re-traumatization that can come with reporting. Institutions must actively work to remove these barriers by implementing confidential reporting mechanisms, providing support services, and fostering an atmosphere of trust.
Educational Programs:
Comprehensive educational programs are crucial in preventing sexual assault and promoting a culture of consent and respect. These programs should not only focus on raising awareness but also on teaching practical skills, such as bystander intervention and healthy relationship dynamics. By fostering a culture of accountability, colleges can work to prevent sexual assault before it occurs.
Title IX and Legal Reforms:
Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education, plays a crucial role in addressing sexual assault on college campuses. However, ongoing efforts to strengthen and clarify Title IX regulations are necessary to ensure that institutions handle complaints appropriately and support survivors effectively. Legal reforms that prioritize the rights and well-being of victims can contribute to a safer and more just campus environment.
The Solution: Enter Empower 101 – a revolutionary solution poised to transform the landscape of campus safety. Unlike existing initiatives that fall short by only spreading awareness, Empower 101 takes a proactive approach, arming young women with a precise set of skills and proven techniques. Our mission is not just to empower these women to defend themselves but to ensure they never become targets in the first place. Imagine a comprehensive program designed to equip your daughter, and every daughter, with the tools needed to navigate the challenging terrain of college life safely. Empower 101 goes beyond theoretical knowledge; it delves into practical strategies, empowering young women to confidently assert their boundaries, recognize potential threats, and swiftly navigate potential danger zones. I and every Empower Academy instructor is a former Special Forces Green Beret. For decades we have been utilizing these same impactful skills and techniques in real world operations. Operations in countries not at war, so the option of using weapons for security is not available and a confrontation with the adversary meant mission failure. Skills such as threat identification, threat management, risk management, conflict resolution, crisis management, decision making, planning, vetting and assessing and most importantly deliberate situational awareness. SA is the foundation that everything we teach and do is built on. The curriculum is based on real world experience and proven to be effective.
We understand that protecting our daughters requires more than empty promises and well-meaning campaigns. It demands action, education, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every young woman stepping onto a college campus is armed with the resilience and awareness needed to safeguard herself.
Share your thoughts on this topic. Did you prepare your daughter for college? If she is already at college, do you have a peace of mind. I know I have paid a lot of money for drivers education and tutors preparing her the best I can, but I know I have not done everything. Before she goes off to college she will be an Empower 101 graduate.
Do you think the Universities have the student's security as the priority or the college brand as their number 1 priority?
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