Essay
Good morning chair and committee hope your all doing well my name is Christiana Patrick and i am a junior at Harding high school
The bill I will be representing is HF1149 this recognizes the understanding of sexual assault and how
Sexual assault is one of the most serious and widespread problems affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. Although it is often spoken about in hushed tones or treated as an uncomfortable subject, it is essential that society-especially young people-learns to confront it openly and responsibly. By understanding what sexual assault is and how deep and daunting its Another part of prevention is fostering a culture of accountability.
This means encouraging everyone, especially peers, to take responsibility for acting respectfully and calling out harmful behavior. No one should pressure another person into anything, and no one should stay silent when they witness behavior that crosses a boundary. Respect is not just a personal value, it is a community AND responsibility.
Sexual assault is also one of the most serious problems affecting people of all ages, especially young people in schools and communities. Studies show that 1 in 4 female undergraduates and 1 in 14 male undergraduates experience sexual violence in college, and in 80 to 90% of cases, the survivor knew the person who harmed them. The numbers proves that sexual assault is not rare it’s a world wide issue that needs to be talked about openly. The consequences of these actions are also long lasting for both victims and assailants.
Research also shows survivors often struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and lower grades, and many even consider dropping out because of the trauma. This just shows how much prevention and awareness matter so much. A big part of prevention is building a culture of respect and accountability. Everyone has a responsibility to act respectfully, and ask for consent, and to speak up when they see harmful behavior. No one should pressure another person, and no one should stay silent when they witness boundaries being crossed.
Respect is more than just personal, it’s a community responsibility. I proudly believe now is our time we take sexual assault seriously, listen to survivors, and hold each other accountable, and create safer schools and safer communities for everyone.
being older I’ve heard so many stories and heard experiences from friends and family while I’m blessed to not know what it feels to be taken in ways nobody can imagine i have grown to know what it feels to be sexualized in ways i wish nobody should have to feel for me it started at age 10 for most younger than that and because of this I have educated myself on sexual assault and what means and I believe others should be educated not only for us but for the future. My generation is the new leaders I believe we need to make a change.