Survey Shows 46% Hide Sexual Assault

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Results of a recent survey by the American Samoa Community College and the Alliance for Strengthening Families makes it clear how urgent it is to continue sending the message that sexual assault is wrong and more needs to be done about it.

Members of the ASCC Psychology Club conducted the survey on campus of approximately 140 ASCC students.

25% of the respondents said they had experienced sexual assault of some form, whether rape, attempted rape, molestation or incest.

Of the students that reported experiencing sexual assault, 46% said they kept it to themselves because they were afraid or because they didn’t know who they could tell.

Only 34% of students surveyed said they felt they could talk to their parents, while 17% said they preferred to talk to siblings, friends or teachers.

Many were reluctant to go to clergy, village leaders or sports coaches.

62% of the ASCC students surveyed said Sex Education was not offered at their grade school.   54% agreed that it is important to offer sex education in grade school because it’s normal for kids to be curious about sex, and therefore, it helps to educate students beforehand so that when they get older they can make more informed decisions.

Although 48% agree that rape is completely on the part of the rapist, a surprising 36% felt the victim was also partly to blame because of where they were at the time, what they were wearing, or whether or not they were intoxicated.

Mrs. Mona Uli of the Alliance for Strengthening Families said, “This alone tells us that we need more education, awareness and training on the topic of sexual violence.

“Rape is never the fault of the victim, regardless of whether the victim is five years old, 25 years old or 50 years old. Rape is not even about sex.  It’s a way for one person to exert power and control over another.  Most rapists are sexually aggressive to make up for their various insecurities.”

More information on where sexual assault victims can turn for help is available from the Alliance for Strengthening Families, at 699-0272.

ASCC students seeking support on-campus should contact Lead Counselor Ms. Annie Panama, whose office is located in the Cafeteria Building and whose campus extension is 326.

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