Sasha Cousineau hopes that in the future, she will be giving fewer talks about the silent epidemic of sexual misconduct and assault that is present on campuses nation-wide.
“I wish that eventually schools won’t need me come talk about sexual misconducts because the frequency will be so low,” she said.
However Cousineau, who works at the Center for Women and Families in Bridgeport, CT, has been busy volunteering her time to guest speak at programs such as “Take Back The Night,” which was held at Fairfield University on April 25, in the Egan Chapel.
Cousineau stressed the importance of raising awareness of sexual misconduct and assault. One of four women, and one of 12 men will become victims of sexual assault at some point during their lives, she said.
“This is not a problem, it is an epidemic,” said Cousineau. “Think of four of your female friends, and at least one of them will be sexually assaulted.”
College students must remember the importance of being responsible and maintain their personal safety, especially when alcohol is involved. Cousineau spoke of the value of “safety in numbers” and friends going out in groups.
Cousineau understands that part of the college experience is going out and having a good time, but encourages students to drink responsibly.
“Be aware of your drink, where you put it, and if anyone puts anything in it,” said Cousineau.
Popular date rape drugs include Special K, rufies, and GHB, which can be lethal when combined with alcohol. Once these drugs are ingested into the body’s system, it only takes 15 minutes for the victim to blackout.
Cousineau describes this epidemic as “silent” because it often takes years for victims to outwardly address these acts of sexual assault. People are often surprised to find out that these sexual acts occur while on a date, or by someone in a position of trust.
“A small minority of sexual assaults happens in dark alleys, or by a man who is drooling with a limp,” said Cousineau. “You have to be cautious of the people you already know, and that sucks.”
In order to make Fairfield and our community safer, Cousineau encourages individuals to push the envelope.
“Still, in the year 2002, we don’t have gender equality,” said Cousineau. “Men cannot express their full range of emotions, and stereotypes lead individuals into the path of becoming a victim.”
“It should be okay for a man to say that another man was acting sexually inappropriate, or for a woman to be openly forceful without people calling her a bitch,” said Cousineau.
Cousineau said that sex should be considered a celebrated act of pleasure between two adults, and if it isn’t, individuals should think twice about the consequences of their actions.
“Take five seconds to say ‘hey, is this okay with you, or is this cool?’ because it is not worth going to jail over,” said Cousineau.
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