Writing fiction allows authors the opportunity to present difficult topics in a way for readers to slowly comprehend them. This is true for social topics which are uncomfortable and are often avoided or not talked out by people who have not been impacted by them. However, they are real and can be happening to anyone in your family or circle of friends. When readers are allowed to hear a story about an unreal character, they can begin to recognize signs and other indicators in their lives where these issues exist. Melinda’s silence, in Speak, helps readers recognize the need for a clear definition of sexual assault, who it can happens to, and who is likely to commit it.
Many people misunderstand sexual assault. Sexual assault happens everywhere and it can affect anyone without consideration of age, race, gender, religion, etc. Sexual assault is defined as any form of unwanted sexault contact or remark. Anything done, a touch or phrase, which has sexual implications without consent is considered sexual assault. A person’s words and actions can be received differently than intended and if taken by someone the wrong way can result in sexual assault accusations. One unfortunate misconception, by many, is that sexual assault only includes rape. However, this is not the case.
Rape is the most widely publicized, reported, and therefore understood form of sexual assault. Many times there is physical evidence on the victim that allows proof. Other forms of assault, which leave no visual markings are harder for others to believe In 2011, sources say that nearly one out of every five women in the United States had experienced rape in their lives. With men, it was much less common. One out of 71 men experienced rape in their lifetimes. When rape is commited, while the victim is never at fault, many do not report the incident to the authorities. This allows many sexual perpetrators to remain unpunished and likely to hurt another person. While remaining silent, victims of sexual assault can develop far reaching injuries beyond the damage of the physical assault. Sexual assault can break them down physically and mentally with unresolved conflict. The most detrimental cases can result in deep depression, suicide, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (“About Sexual Assault”). Ninety-four percent of women that have experienced any form of sexual assault have had symptoms of PTSD sometime after their experience(s). Another challenge for victims is that the assailant is not always a stranger, but rather can be a partner or spouse. Our culture is quick to judge and deliver an opinion that these cannot be valid claims, further pushing victims into silence. However, any sexual touch or phrase from any person, no matter what your relationship, that is unwanted is sexual assault (“Sexual Assault”).
Sexual assault is not gender, age, or race specific. It can happen to anyone, male or female, at any age. Statistics corresponding to women who have experienced sexual assault report 4 out of 5 occuring before the age of 25. The other 1 out of 5 cases reported were after the age of 25 (“Sexual Assault”). Statistics by age for both genders show that 15% of kids ages 12-17 have experienced sexual assault, 54% of people ages 18-34 have experienced it, 28% of people ages 35-64 have experienced it, and 3% of people aged 65 and above have experienced sexual assault.. The overwhelming majority of people likely to be assaulted are under the age of 30, which further supports the silence after the assaults. Younger victims are less mature and less educated about what has happened to them. When reviewing statistics on rapes, one out of every ten victims were male. This number is believed to be higher, but men are less likely to admit to the fact. It is believed that approximately 3% of the entire male population has experienced rape or some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. Finally, sexual assault is not discriminatory by race. Incidents are found across them all. Unfortunately, American Indians are twice as likely to experience sexual assault over all other races. It is unclear if cultures where individuals are less free to speak up skew this data.
It can be extremely difficult to identify individuals capable of carrying out sexual assault. All perpetrators can come in any age, color, size, gender, or shape. Additionally, it is impossible to know the motives driving these individuals. Everyone’s circumstances, genetics, and experiences are different. There is a general misconception that only males are capable of committing sexual assault, however this is not the case. Offenders can be male or female. Unfortunately, there is no specific stereotype or set of characteristics for which to use to educate people. Additionally, perpetrators are not rich or poor or famous or common. Examples of famous people who have been accused and may be found guilty of sexual assault include Kevin Spacey and Tom Sizemore. One commonality that has been found is that in most occasions the one who is being sexually assaulted knows the one it is done by. This could be friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, or bosses. It is believed that up to 63% of sexual assault cases go unreported for reasons mainly to protect a loved one. Further, it is estimated that 700,000 unreported sex offenders live in the United States alone. Of those which are reported, sadly, about 2,200 kids under 18 go to jail for sexual assault and an additional 9,200 other kids going to jail for other sexual offenses.
Sexual assault is a big topic in the book Speak. The main character, Melinda, goes through a form of sexual assault. It affects her in ways no one understands. She is depressed with no friends and has no desire to put effort into doing well in school. She has reached a point, where she doesn’t seem to care about anything anymore. Research shows these are all very common effects and moods people go through after their rough experiences with sexual assault. “The art room is one of the places I feel safe. I hum and don’t worry about looking stupid” (Anderson 150). This quote shows how insecure Melinda can be around people. Withdrawal and seclusion seem to be characteristics many people begin to portray. Internalizing and being silent are not good things. People need to feel supported and have avenues to express their feelings with others. “Bologna girl, thats me” (Anderson 127). This is Melinda’s name she gets called at school by people that have no idea what she has been through. While this bullying is unrelated to the assault she has fallen prey to, it further shuts her off from those around her and any outlets to share her feelings People that have gone through such horrible things in their lifetimes, like sexual assault, should not have to go through extra pain by people calling them names. “I got my hopes up halfway through the conversation with Rachel-that was my mistake” (Anderson 184,185). This quote is highlighted, particularly to show how people that have gone through sexual assault begin to lose their fight and hope in all things. At this point in the book Melinda was trying to warn her ex-best friend that her new boyfriend raped Melinda. However, as is often the case Rachel does not believe this is possible and calls Melinda jealous. Melinda had finally taken a step forward and tried to help another person by sharing her experience. Unfortunately, all this did was make their already bad relationship worse, and depleted any confidence and courage Melinda had developed.
Melinda’s silence in Speak, helps readers recognize the need for a clear definition of sexual assault. Sexual assault is a scary topic to discuss and is sometimes not received well by those with whom it is shared. For some people it can be a very emotional topic based on prior experiences, and for others they might not care at all. Many will think that it could not happen to them. Unfortunately the truth is that sexual assault can happen to anyone no matter age, race, and definitely no matter gender. Victims need safe places with individuals they can trust and confide in to ensure their attackers cannot hurt others. Awareness and education on sexual assault is vital to everyone. Everyone must be prepared.
