Spring 2022 15 or distressing. “Most of us would not want to sit and share with a stranger details about an intimate experience,” Berkheiser said. “But that is what we expect a victim of sexual violence to do in reporting.” It can be very challenging for victims to talk about their experiences to complete strangers, and if they do, they’ll have to repeat their stories to advocates, law enforcement or in a public court. You may never have to go through this kind of experience. But if you do, know that someone will believe you. But what do you do if you know someone who has been sexually violated? The best thing for you to do is be a supportive friend to a victim. It’s not their fault they were violated. And it’s not your job to investigate for the truth. Before she moved to Cedarville, Berkheiser worked in upstate New York as an advocate for victims. “In advocacy you walk alongside that person and help them navigate the systems they need to interact with, such as medical care, law enforcement and the criminal justice system,” she said. The best way to be supportive of a victim of sexual violence is to listen if they want to talk or go with them if they need to go to the hospital. Be the friend that they need. Be someone who will believe them. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NRSVC), only between 2% and 10% of any criminal accusations turn out to be false. It’s safer to believe a victim rather than to dismiss them. Support them in any way you can. Don’t pressure a victim to talk about what happened. Don’t confront the offender. Don’t pressure them to report it to law enforcement. But do encourage them as much as you can, and let them decide what to do. But the important thing to remember is to educate yourself on the matter. Understand that victims didn’t ask to be violated and support those who have been. Berkheiser said, “I just really challenge people to educate themselves about the issues surrounding domestic violence and sexual violence.” **** If you or someone you know has been sexually violated, there are several resources you can look into. Find an advocate whose job is to walk alongside victims of sexual violence. If you want to talk, they’ll listen. If you need to go to the hospital to report to law enforcement, they’ll go with you. RAINN is an anti-sexual violence organization. It operates the Department of Defense’s Safe Helpline. You can visit their website at https://www. rainn.org, or you can call them at 800-656-4673. It’s On Us is another organization that combats sexual violence. They focus specifically with college-age women and men who have been sexually violated. They provide resources for victims of sexual violence, such as education tools and contacts to call. Their website is https://www.itsonus.org. More resources: National Domestic Violence hotline at 800-799-7233. National Human Trafficking hotline at 888-373-7888 or text at 233-73. Suicide Prevention hotline at 800273-8255. Chris Karenbauer is a junior Journalism major and the Campus News Editor for Cedars. She enjoys reading and writing, hanging out with friends and jamming out.
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