A lot of people around the world have been through some sort of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can be as small as catcalling and as big as touching people inappropriately or rape. Yes, even I have been catcalled, and you or people you know may have been as well. I am a 13-year-old girl, and there are many people younger than me that have gone through worse. If you have not, you have probably heard stories of those innocent people being hurt. They do not deserve the trauma. Healing from trauma caused by things such as sexual harassment and sexual assault can take years. This topic is important because it is not just something people can get through and cry over, like a breakup. Not being able to process and have the proper help can cause major depression or even suicide. People of any gender or age who have experienced sexual assault in the United States should get help such as therapy, and there should be more funding for organizations that address this problem. Many have struggled with the setbacks of an abusive relationship or rape, and some still have not healed even after years. People of any race, gender, or age should be able to get the help they need and the ability to feel safe.
In the United States, people get sexually harassed and sexually assaulted every day. The Sexual Violence Research Center notes that in 2022, there were an estimated 463,634 victims of rape and sexual assault in the United States. This number included individuals aged 12 or older, and many incidents go unreported, so the actual number could be higher. A report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics says, “In 2012, the rate of serious violent crime, which includes rape or sexual assault, was approximately 8.0 per 1,000 persons aged 12 or older. This means that out of every 1,000 people, about 8 experienced rape or sexual assault.” That was 10 years before 2022, the source of the previous statistic. This is why people need to know how to protect themselves and know this is happening.
If you have gone through sexual assault or harassment, it can damage you. Not only in the moment but also after. An article from WBUR written by Samantha Raphelson on August 29, 2024, says, “Research shows that one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical abuse by a romantic partner. And not all abuse is physical. Emotional abuse includes insults, threats, and gaslighting. Many survivors of sexual abuse or assault struggle for years with unresolved trauma.” I have heard that it takes years to heal from the trauma and physical and mental scars. Most think it is their fault. It is hard at the moment to experience sexual harassment, but it is also hard to deal with it after. It is not fair that thousands of people have self-doubt and blame themselves for what is happening.
Most people know what sexual assault is. But a lot of people do not know how hard it is to recover from it. Professionals suggest therapy. A way to support people that have survived sexual assault or rape is more support and funding for organizations and programs. More people need to know more about it. Recovering from an abusive relationship or just abuse in general takes a lot of courage and bravery. Some commit suicide. It is hard enough to deal with recovering while also dealing with mental health, self-esteem, and relationships. Having more funding would give people a sense of safety and stability. More awareness of the problem would help with this issue and make a lot of people’s lives easier. Everyone is different, and everyone deserves to get the help they need.
It should be clear by now that people in the United States have gone through some sort of sexual assault or harassment, such as rape or small things like just a comment on appearance. I am only 13. A child. I, even at a young age, have gone through catcalling and men judging me on my appearance. Although it is not as bad as others, I know that people younger than me have gone through much worse. People need the support and to feel safe after such hard things. People are committing suicide because of this problem. People need help. There needs to be more awareness and funding for therapy and help for these people.
