The article Addressing Sexual Assault by Student Athletes from The Austin Chronicle describes an awesome new program that will be starting in the spring of the 2016-2017 school year. "Start The Conversation" was created by Resources in Learning and Texas High School Coaches Association to educate high school male athletes on sexual assault and domestic violence. This is a difficult topic to discuss, but is important considering "one in three adolescents nationwide falls victim to physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner." Texas is one of the first states in the country to implement this program, and I could not be more excited.
I think this is an amazing program. As a 5 foot, 90 pound high school cheerleader, I was constantly being told how to keep myself safe from assault. I carried pepper spray, knew basic self defense, and avoided drunk boys at all costs. From the beginning, girls are taught not to be raped or abused, yet boys never seem to be taught to not rape or abuse women. I am so happy to see that is finally starting to change. Although I was lucky enough to avoid sexual assault, some of my peers were not so lucky. Seeing the way those girls were treated like "sluts" while the boys were high-fived was appalling. It is so important for young men to be taught that rape and sexual assault are never acceptable.
I also love that they are teaching about domestic violence as well. I, unfortunately, dated a boy in high school who was verbally abusive and, for lack of a better word, an asshole. I know many girls who were in similar situations in high school, in fact I know more girls were victims of abuse than victims of sexual assault. I also know many boys who were abused by their girlfriends, but because of male gender roles, they never spoke up about it. Being educated on domestic abuse and how it affects men as well should help male victims understand their situation and take action. It should also teach other men to accept that male abuse is real and to support victims. Teenage domestic abuse is a serious problem that is often overlooked as "teen drama", but through education can be helped. I am confident this program will help and it comes at an important time when women seem to be losing respect. I am proud of my state for going through with this, and am hopeful for the future of my generation!
