Is sexual assault a problem at USC?

This week, USC’s University Student Government has partnered up with several other universities for the It Ends Here campaign.

The goal of It Ends Here is to raise awareness about the sexual assault epidemic on college campuses across the nation and to come together as a community in support of the victims of sexual assault. There are events planned throughout the week to bring the campus together in light of this issue.

Campaigns like this are a great way to get the ball rolling, but the problem is getting people to continue discussing the issue and mobilizing students to take action. Sexual assault is something that affects everyone, whether it is directly or indirectly, because it is an attack on the basic right of human autonomy. Given the context of this week, it seemed like a good time to interview female students at USC about sexual assault.

Sexual assault occurs with males as well, but at USC females are statistically at a higher risk. The question posed: What is USC’s reputation for sexual assault, and have you personally ever felt threatened?

Lekha Chirala, 18, Health Promotion Major

“I think sexual assault is a huge problem at USC, but is not taken as seriously as it needs to be. I think the administration brushes a lot of the cases under the rug because they don’t want to ruin our prestigious reputation. Although I’ve never actually felt threatened by anyone, I know so many people that have experienced uncomfortable situation in which they did fear for the outcome and they feel like they can’t tell many people because of the repercussions that could come with it.”

Taylor Boylan, Freshman, Accounting Major

“When I decided on USC my boyfriend was really concerned because USC has scary sexual assault statistics. I’ve never really felt unsafe, but I am not out partying with boys very often. Not to say that is the only place assault happens, but I feel like its more common there.”

Jacqueline Tran, 21, Business Major

“I have never felt personally threatened on campus and I think USC does a great job of keeping students safe. The school has taken extra safety precautions recently, like putting yellow jackets in places and offering free Uber.”

Chynna Cowart, 20, Narrative Studies Major

“Coming into USC I didn’t think about the sexual assault statistics. I didn’t Google it. It wasn’t the first thing to come to mind or anything like that. But once I encountered the Greek system, and what Hollywood says about the Greek system, things changed. I was more wary of sexual assault, but I was never scared to go out. You watch your drink, see who’s pouring it, and know your limits. Now I’m not putting any blame on victims, but I went through this routine every weekend.

“When my favorite fraternity with all of my guys friends got accused of sexual assault my freshman year it was like every Hollywood facade came true. But then when it was found out that the girl was lying, my views on sexual assault were unfortunately skewed. My friend’s reputation and life was ruined from a lie about a serious subject. I think USC does well at advertising who to call in case of an assault, but they don’t tell you what to do if a guy starts grinding with you randomly at a party or if you’re catcalled on the walk back from The Row to the dorms.

“They don’t tell you how to receive help once you do make that call. It’s hard! Sexual assault is super serious and rampant on college campuses, but there needs to be a easier more approachable way to handle it.”

“It’s more common than it should be. You hear about it a lot with fraternity houses, but I don’t think that’s the only problem. I’ve never felt sexually threatened. There was one time my freshman year that I told a guy at a party that I wouldn’t have sex with him and he got angry and started choking me.” – Anonymous

After hearing what girls had to say about sexual assault at USC, it is logical to conclude that the university does have a reputation, even if not everyone has first hand experience. Many believe that assault is more prevalent in the Greek community, but it’s not fair to assume that it’s an issue that is isolated to The Row.

With the attention fraternities get from the media it is no surprise they are often scapegoated as the institution to blame for the widespread problem. However, it’s arguable that fraternity men are held more accountable than the average student because they have the reputation of their fraternity to uphold and the university waiting to kick them off for any mistake.

Therefore, it’s important for the USC community to acknowledge that sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of gender or organization affiliation. At the core, we are all humans and it is our job to stand in solidarity in support of sexual assault victims.

It Ends Here.