This letter is in response to the letter submitted by Ms. Amy Whitney Salzman about the tragic incident her daughter was put through as a student last year.
My heart goes out to Ms. Salzman and her daughter, and any others — friends, family, classmates — affected by the traumatic event. It is my hope that this letter can be seen as a beacon of hope for change to come to Ohio University in regards to the high number of sexual assaults in the past weeks.
As a survivor — “survivor,” not victim — of a similar situation, I can completely understand the physical and psychological damages a traumatic event can have on a person. The physical and psychological ramifications are painful, frustrating, embarrassing and degrading.
Because of said ramifications, I was hesitant to report the incident. Not only was I extremely confused and embarrassed, but also I could not stop hearing the harsh words of my aggressor about “what else he would do to me” if I were to report the incident. But with the loving support of close friends, I finally agreed to speak to an officer.
My experience with the police was quite different than the one Ms. Salzman’s daughter experienced. Every officer that I spoke with was extremely professional, caring, gentle and respectful. My conversations with the officers helped me relax tremendously and feel safe. I am not saying that I felt totally at ease after the conversations, but I definitely knew that reporting the incident was a step in the right direction.
Unfortunately, my aggressor found out about the report and began to harass me though calls and texts. As frightening as it was, I knew I needed to report the stalking and harassment in order to put an end to it. Again with the help of loving friends, I mustered up the courage to speak to an officer. Just like with my first experience, I felt completely respected throughout the entire procedure.
It is extremely sad that your family had a negative experience with the police, Ms. Salzman. This letter is in no way to publically disagree with you, but rather a positive experience any survivors of sexual assault can reference if he or she is considering reporting an attack.
It is my hope that if any survivors of a sexual assault experience are reading this letter, he or she will be motivated to report the incident. Without the help of the police, I can guarantee that I would not feel safe enough to even submit this letter. Although it can be frustrating, embarrassing or frightening, reporting an incident might be one of the only ways to stop an aggressor from committing the same crime to another person.
Additionally, it is extremely important for members of this community to take an active part in promoting the safety of themselves and others. Simple things such as not walking alone, carrying pepper spray, taking the “longer route” to travel on well-lit areas or calling Campus Safety Patrol can all be helpful.
I know many think, “Oh, I’ll be fine, I can walk home alone, that would never happen to me,” or, “I’m fast, I’m strong, I have pepper spray, etc.,” but protecting yourself from a possible assault with simple preventative measures is worth it. Like mom always said, “Better safe than sorry!”
Recently, I have heard a lot about sexual assault statistics and the prevalence rate here at OU. To me, the only statistic I’m concerned about is how many women go on to overcome feelings of guilt and insufficiency and be successful. I hope that one day this statistic can be 100 percent.
I know that for me, it has been a constant struggle with myself. And I’m still working on overcoming my intense feelings of anger, guilt and embarrassment. But through the caring support of loved ones, the road to recovery can begin.
Katie Devlin is a senior studying psychology and social work.
