According to RAINN.org, the definition of sexual assault is “sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim.” Pretty simple to understand, right? “No” should be easily understood.

1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men are reported to be sexually assaulted while in college (specifically, universities.) Over 90% of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report the assault, and this could be for various reasons. Scared of victim blaming, support and belief from no one, afraid of injustice because of “punishments” they give the accused. Here’s a list of just a few universities and their miniscule punishments they give those accused of sexual assault:

1. Columbia University: Suspension for 1 semester.
2. Indiana University: Suspension over summer vacation.
3. Yale University: Suspension for 1 day.
4. University of Colorado Boulder: $75 fine
5. University of Toledo: $25 fine.
6. Brandeis University: A warning.
7. Occidental College: Required to construct a poster board listing 10 ways to approach a girl you like AND/OR 50 hours of community service at a rape crisis center.
8. University of Colorado: Assigned a paper to reflect on your experience.

These are very poor sanctions, and is part of the reason victims don’t come forward because they’re just gonna see their rapist next semester or even tomorrow. We need to teach our children, siblings, cousins, and friends that they should respect the word “No” and not be afraid to stand up if they see someone being apart of the problem.