For the past two years, Grand Valley State University officials have worked to combat the highly prevalent issue of sexual misconduct on college campuses. GVSU’s newest iteration of its campaign urges students to stand up against oppression and domestic violence.

From Jan. 15 to Jan. 29, “It’s On Us” displayed an exhibit at the Mary Idema Pew Library titled “Project Unspoken,” focusing on the problem of victim-blaming in incidents of sexual assault.

Giselle Gomez, president of Eyes Wide Open, said the exhibit is associated with the Women’s Center and the ongoing “It’s On Us” campaign at GVSU.

“’It’s On Us’ has the ultimate goal of inviting everyone to step up and realize that the solution begins with us,” Gomez said. “It’s a declaration that sexual assault is not only a crime committed by a perpetrator against a victim, but a societal problem in which all of us have a role to play.”

The Project Unspoken exhibit was first held in 2014 by Eyes Wide Open, and features images of students holding victim-blaming quotes, as well as students holding quotes that might be used in order to avoid these incidents.

“The goal of Project Unspoken is to develop a general consciousness of the effects stereotypes and insensitive comments can have on victim-survivors of sexual assault,” Gomez said. “This project seeks to raise awareness of the deeper, unspoken messages they convey, challenging us to rethink the way we respond to, interact with and speak of victim-survivors of sexual assault.”

According to Gomez, sexual assault affects one in four women and one in 10 men on college campuses.

“Victim-blaming attitudes allow for the perpetrator to continue with their abuse without ever being held accountable by society,” Gomez said. “The reality is that sexual assault knows no boundaries and affects all genders, races and ethnicities. Victim-blaming really helps nobody.

“We need to create a culture that supports sexual assault victim-survivors and empowers them, rather than a culture that tries to tear them down even more.”

During Sexual Assault Awareness week, April 4 to April 8, Eyes Wide Open is planning a number of events geared toward similar goals as those of Project Unspoken.

“I think there’s a lot of reasons victim blaming occurs. On a subconscious level, I think it’s a defense mechanism for most people,” said Allison Metz, director of GVSU’s theater program, ReACT!, which spreads awareness on issues such as sexual assault. “Sexual assault is a crime that is perpetrated against someone, like robbery or identity theft or other types of physical assault.

“No one asks to have a crime perpetrated against them, and they’re not at fault when they are the victim of an assault.”

The way society responds to victim-survivors who choose to disclose their experience is crucial. In order to move forward in the discussion about sexual assault, “It’s On Us” stresses the importance of avoiding victim-blaming.

“Students can be a part of a solution by recognizing the power of the language they use, and the way they support friends and loved ones who are survivors of assault,” Metz said. “Problems need to be discussed before they can be solved.”

Students interested in the campaign can view the document by searching “It’s On Us” on the GVSU website. The website will include a link to sign the pledge, along with details of what the pledge stands against.

“GVSU is working hard at opening the lines of communication with students about sexual assault,” Gomez said. “There is still much more to do to get everyone on board, but we are heading in the right direction.”