Because 1 is 2 Many

The White House released its new PSA about sexual assault and it’s starring some pretty famous leading men: Daniel Craig, Benicio Del Toro, Steve Carell, Seth Meyers and Dulé Hill.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden also make appearances in the PSA, demanding we change the way we view sexual assault and treat its victims.

It comes after a report released by the Whitehouse regarding college sexual assaults and violence, which lately is becoming a prevalent news item, not just in the States, but in Canada as well.

"If I saw it happening, I wouldn't blame her.”

Rape culture and violence against women on campuses (or anywhere) isn’t new and it’s a culture that’s perpetuated by victim blaming and intimidation.

Universities and colleges may feel like their reputations will be tarnished by sexual violence, but that’s not the case. Taking a stand builds reputation because representing and respecting one half of the student population is what's right. I'd be more proud of a school that admits its mistakes and betters itself than tries to diminish the problem and pretend it doesn't exist.

A society where women are respected is imperative to move forward and grow. Sexual violence is linked to power and intimidation and often when women come forward with their assaults that mentality continues. There are many instances where the victim is blamed for the crime because of drinking, behaviour or the way she dressed. It’s illogical, really.

Therefore, respect must be taught and continue to be taught to young men and women. It’s not a separation of the sexes— it’s human decency to respect one another and defer judgment.

 The men in the video like Daniel Craig, Steve Carell and Seth Meyers are idols to young men and I hope that it inspires and changes attitudes towards sexual assault victims, because one sexual assault is too many.