Rape Jokes

"It's not rape if you like it!"

It suddenly doesn't become "funny" when I let a group of 18 year old boys know that I am a sexual assault survivor myself after one said just that. This a comment I heard while studying in the lobby of my apartment complex, and this happens everywhere.

One responded with, "I don't care about people's feelings, I just don't even care about what people feel."

I know that by speaking up, they heard that it is not okay, as well as got called out in public.

This is rape culture, and unfortunately this is the world where we live.

I will ALWAYS call out individuals who think it is morally okay to joke about rape.

Rape is not okay, and either is making crude comments and jokes about the matter.

Stand up for yourself, even if you are the only one.

To all those who make rape jokes, I hope you think about the justifications of your actions and words as your head lays upon your pillow at night, and that a situation you casually joke and laugh about never happens to you, the future women in your life, and your children, because statistically it already has and most likey will.

Because according to RAINN, every 98 seconds an individual is sexually assaulted.

Because 1 in 6 will become assaulted in their lifetime.

Because 13% of women assaulted will attempt suicide.

Because I am part of evey single of of these statistics.

Because 3 years ago I was raped, reported, and went through court cases and trials all by myself.

Because 2 years ago I overdosed after my grandma (pictured) passed away and spent 16 days fighting for my life in the ICU.

Because I am now in nursing school and living the dream.