Since The Daily Eastern News delivers news and sports content to a primarily college-based audience, the staff is familiar with the unfortunate fact that sexual assualt has been a reoccurring (not to mention unnecessary) problem on college campuses.

Therefore, with a staff made up of primarily women, we are not oblivious to the ugliness and truth that hides on college campuses and do our best to look out for each other.

We always remind each other to lock apartment or dorm doors, or insist on walking someone home because we never know who might be lurking in the shadows just waiting to prey on someone they feel is powerless and therefore a target.

The idea that this is a way of life for women on college campuses and within our staff is troubling, to say the least.

Women should not be afraid to walk alone at night or during the day, period. They should not have to be forced into a life contaminated with “what-ifs” and horrific possibilities that plague the back of their minds.

To live with the constant risk of rape or to have to walk on the other side of the street because we are afraid of the stranger walking toward us is not acceptable. Women should not have to fear for the worst when they are simply trying to get home. Women should feel safe anywhere they go and wearing anything they want.

We also believe that blaming the victim is not an option and permits rape and sexual violence to continue. Such attitudes toward these atrocities make the situation worse and are a step back.

Progress is achieved when everyone comes together to not only offer support for victims of sexual violence but to also recognize that it is a major problem that happens everywhere, including college campuses.

That is why The Daily Eastern News supports the work that Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service does, especially as it gets ready for its next event this Saturday.

According to the website, SACIS is committed to “changing attitudes that foster violence against others…we promote awareness of the issues and effects of sexual victimization through training programs….we also protect the rights of victims by influencing the creation of sexual victimization laws and policies.”

As a result it is without a doubt that The Daily Eastern News tips our hat to SACIS and applauded their continuous effort in supporting victims and encouraging awareness to eventually put an end to sexual violence.

As college students, we also encourage our peers to step up and support SACIS and the survivors they represent.

We encourage anyone who can make it to go to the Take Back the Day march this Saturday to stand in solidarity with survivors and their supports.

We encourage the campus to do what they can in order to help survivors take back the security and the peace of mind they rightfully deserve.