Brenda Tracy, writing for Sports Illustrated says "At first I couldn't say the following words without getting a lump in my throat and tears welling in my eyes. Today these jarring words roll off my tongue. 'I was gang raped.' I start a lot of speaking engagements with that sentence. You think you get nervous talking in front of a crowd? Try sharing intimate details of the worst event in your life with complete strangers. ... My gang rape happened 17 years ago, and statistically nothing has changed. How do we improve the numbers? How do we prevent my story from happening again?"
Marjorie Schwartz Nielsen is producer of the documentary film, "It Happened Here" which presents personal testimonials of five survivors who describe their experiences surviving sexual assault only to be met with apathy, disbelief, blame and retaliation from the authorities when they tried to report the crime. When they tried to get justice, they were ignored, belittled and shamed, while their attackers remained on campus with impunity. But instead of hiding away in shame, they chose to speak out, and found a way to force institutional change.
We're in the "Red Zone" which is recognized as the most dangerous time period for incoming female freshman: From first day of school to the Thanksgiving break is when females are at most risk for sexual assault on college campuses.
On Thursday's Access Utah we'll explore this serious issue with Brenda Tracy and Marjorie Schwartz Nielsen. We'll also talk with Amanda Gibbs from the USU Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information (SAAVI) Office.
