One in six women are sexually assaulted in college. Let that sink in. Four out of five victims do not report their abuse. Only two percent of rapists serve jail time. The numbers show a monumental problem that should make anyone angry.

Assumption senior Sarah Holston wants to do more than be outraged — she wants to bring about change.

Holston’s desire to make a difference came after watching the film “The Hunting Ground,” which details the nationwide issue of sexual assault on college campuses and efforts by universities to cover up the crimes. It follows several sexual assault survivors in their attempts to confront the problem.  

After watching the film, Holston talked to friend Stephen Curry, Trinity Senior Class president, expressing her desire to combat the issue. Curry’s response was simple: “Let’s do it.”

The idea they came up with was to organize a day where Assumption and Trinity seniors get together and listen to speakers and discuss the topic of sexual assault in college.

The focus of the assembly is prevention and encouraging bystanders to act when an incident occurs. Simply being in a group at a social event can keep someone from becoming a victim. “We want college to be a safe environment,” Curry said.

Trinity senior Dallas Jenkins, who is among the seven Trinity seniors working to make the assembly happen, said, “This is a serious issue that needs serious resolutions.”

Jenkins got involved after watching the documentary and feeling profoundly moved by it. He expects some strong reactions from students.  Jenkins said, “When you’re in a larger group, it’s harder for guys to be as open and serious about the topic. Ask them in private and they’ll be truthful with you.”

The assembly is not aimed at accusations or scaring people; the hope is to bring some unity among these seniors so they have a common understanding of the issue.

The assembly, the date for which has not been set, is being planned and organized by students for students. Of course, faculty members from both Trinity and Assumption are involved in an administrative role.

Trinity college counselor Ms. Allie Kerns is one of them. Kerns said that primarily she listens to the group’s ideas and arranges meetings. Teaching senior capstone class, Kerns is quite familiar with “The Hunting Ground,” which can be found on Netflix.

Of the impact of the film, Kern said, “The students pay attention when we show it.”

Kerns hopes to include sexual assault education for juniors in the near future, if not in a required class, then in a retreat or assembly.