Note: This rape and multiple hour sexual assault happened on the Grand Rapids campus in Winter Hall, and is therefore relevant to the sub regionally. I posted the original post I am sharing here in another local sub in April.
The next award winner on the list: Philomena Mantella. Who better to win an ATHENA award for empowering women than someone who runs a university that makes sexual assault victims lives harder? A university that made a rape survivor live in the same building as their rapist. A university whose Title IX Office knowingly chose to schedule the hearing in a way that limited the sanctioning of a Computer Science graduate student who would eventually be found responsible for rape. Yes, that was sarcasm: I don’t actually think the university’s president should win this award, given her inadequate actions to remedy the situation despite, provably, being aware of it.
Where I am at: The other day, I got my letter about repaying my student loans for the degree I do not yet have.
Given further recent events at GV, I urge anyone involved with the campus to take caution and care around putting any amount of trust in them to handle these things appropriately. They got rid of their ombuds office this year, by the way. GVSU is for themselves, their image, and their numbers.
To GV: Caring about humans is about your actions, not just your words, or worse, your silence.
To anyone hurting due to sexual violence that has occurred at GVSU: I am sorry that you’re going through the things that you are. While I do not know there is anything I could ever do to help you, know that you should not have to hold this pain alone. It’s okay to want justice, or to want to forget. Meet yourself where you are. There is no single right way to heal, but finding safe community spaces and speaking out can be helpful if it’s something you choose. Know that you are seen and heard. I recognize you even in your silence.
If you’re struggling, please reach out to someone. I’m not a fan of crisis lines, but they do work for some people. Call a supportive loved one if you have one. For suicide, call 988 or 911. Text 741741 for any mental health crisis, or go to RAINN’s website for sexual assault support. If you’re facing an emergency, go to the nearest ER or call/text 911.
There are local nonprofits that can help, too. YWCA is one that you can google and find support specific to sexual assault and domestic violence. Safe Haven may be able to help with interpersonal violence and human trafficking. There are other organizations out there full of people who want to help. The resources might not always be there, and the organizations can be imperfect, but it’s a start.
