Tualatin High School students speak about sexual assault experiences in campaign

Students say they are 'tired of being silenced'

(Tualatin High School/Facebook)

A group of high school students has been speaking out about its sexual assault experiences amid claims some staff members have not supported victims.

The students from Tualatin High School in Oregon, the US, have been taking to an online blog, ‘Girls With Guts’, to anonymously share their experiences and highlight how they are “tired of being silenced.”

Criticising those who “perpetuate” the cycle of alleged abuse, the blog says: “The school or legal officials whom we go to seeking protection, seeking safety, seeking understanding, yes those; the same officials who say ‘accusations are just accusations’, you should stop telling people about this it’s unfair to him’.

“Stop blaming victims. It is NEVER their fault. People are raped regardless of how much clothing they are wearing. And it is not a person’s responsibility to dress in attempt to make anyone else ‘less likely to rape’.”

One student has told the campaign why raising awareness is important to her, and said: “Everyone should have the right to feel safe, to be able to sleep at night, to be able to walk down the hall at school or at home or anywhere and not fear their safety.”

Another anonymous 17-year-old has told how she feels the school and justice systems have failed her. She said: “There are many moments where I still feel ashamed of myself for my assault, and the school/justice system definitely validated this shame and devalued my rape.

“I struggle with finding the strength to admit I have been ‘failed’ by these systems, mainly because I know it is true.”

While the school in question has not directly responded to the campaign’s specific details, the Tigard-Tualatin School District has said it takes the students’ reports “seriously.”

In a statement to Huffpost, a spokesperson said the district immediately passed the campaigners’ information onto the local police department and that, after no charges were made, a request was made for the police to review their investigation.

The spokesperson told the site: “Our counsellors and school administration have been providing ongoing support for students and their families since we were made aware of this situation.” The statement also said that the school is doing its best to keep students separated where possible.

Since ‘Girls With Guts’ surfaced in March, the school’s student-run feminist club, Advocates for Gender Equality (AGE), is reportedly hosting a rape culture awareness event in May along with another local high school.

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this article, please visit Victim Support for help and advice