On Monday evening, Destin Mattey, \u201829, dressed in blue for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, sat at the flagpole outside the Clayton University Center holding a cardboard sign reading, \u201cSurvivors stronger together,\u201d to protest sexual assault and raise awareness for victims.<\/p>\n
He was part of an \u200bunofficial protest at Lehigh\u2019s flagpole, joined by one other student, Aidan Miller, \u201829.<\/p>\n
For the hour, Mattey spoke with passing students, sharing information about sexual assault and encouraging open dialogue. He also distributed pieces of cardboard for students to write positive messages to share on social media.<\/p>\n
Mattey said he\u2019s passionate about spreading sexual assault awareness because several women in his family and one of his close friends have experienced sexual abuse firsthand. He said sexual violence is more prevalent than many people realize.<\/p>\n
\u201c(Sexual violence) is a reality we need to get more familiar with so we know how to navigate and fix these issues instead of brushing them to the side and just giving people therapists,\u201d he said.\u200b<\/p>\n
He said sexual abuse is prevalent on campus and that, to make progress, there need to be greater consequences for committing sexual violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you look on Yik Yak, there\u2019s so much misogyny,\u201d Mattey said. \u201cThose are the people that, if given the chance, will commit those crimes against another person, and they most likely won\u2019t get caught.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u200bWhile there are some clubs on campus working to raise awareness, such as Break the Silence, Mattey said he believes most organizations aren\u2019t taking enough action to address serious issues like sexual violence and racism.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Due to this perceived inaction, Mattey said he chose not to collaborate with a campus organization to stage the protest.<\/p>\n
\u200b\u201cI know there are people out there that need a community that is more active and serious about (sexual assault and racism),\u201d Mattey said. \u201cClubs need to be doing more.\u201d<\/p>\n