Shining Awareness of Sexual Assault Through a New Lens
- Kelli Johnson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Ten years ago, Erin Andrews received $55 million in damages from a lawsuit against a peeping tom. Her offender, Michael Barrett, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for secretly filming nude videos of the TV personality through a hotel room peephole without her consent. Erin Andrews endured both stalking and sexual assault.
The Women's Law Center defines stalking as a harmful action that involves following someone in a way that may lead them to reasonably fear bodily harm, assault of any kind including rape, sexual assault, or death. Stalking can occur in person or through electronic communication, as well as through technology and devices used to monitor locations and movements. Sexual assault refers to any act carried out without consent or through coercion.
Stalking and sexual assault have significant effects on emotional and mental health, as well as overall wellbeing. They can also influence one's work life and financial stability. Victims frequently face disbelief or are not taken seriously regarding the impact. Additionally, some perpetrators fail to recognize that their actions—whether intentional, seen as a joke, or not—constitute sexual assault with real-life consequences.
We live in an era of smartphones, AI, and Bluetooth devices that enable us to monitor locations, capture photos and videos with a simple touch, and use AI-generated voices, avatars, and images for anonymity. While smartphones and recording devices are widely accepted, they should not be used everywhere. Locations such as private hotel rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, massage parlors, and doctor's offices are places where privacy is expected. In Erin Andrews' case, it was her hotel room. Taking a video or photo, or making a joke or game without consent, can be illegal.
During Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, consider viewing sexual assault and violence from a fresh perspective. Reflect on how you would feel if such actions affected you or someone close to you, like your mother, daughter, wife, or friend. Engage in conversations with care and empathy towards survivors. Be brave enough to educate and inform others to help break the cycle.
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