Tackling Sexual and Domestic Violence: Whose Responsibility Is It?

The actions that large organizations such as the NFL and NCAA take regarding sexual assault policy and management serve as examples to their viewers and fans. As such, they have much potential to incite change. But, while colleges and sports associations have largely attempted to deal with sexual assault on their own, government policy is equally important in combating sexual assault and domestic violence. In order to make real change in the national psyche and to send a public message that sexual assault and domestic violence are categorically unacceptable, sports leagues and colleges must work together with the government.

Earlier this year, Ray Rice, a star running back for the Baltimore Ravens, assaulted and knocked out his then-fiancée, now-wife, in an Atlantic City casino elevator. When details of this event came to light, the NFL initially suspended Rice for only two games, but after an actual video of the assault emerged, the NFL suspended Rice indefinitely, which led to the his release by the Ravens. Rice, however, has appealed his latest suspension and could be back playing in the NFL by Week 10 if another team signs him, a distinct possibility given the demand for running backs and his athletic prowess. Furthermore, a successful appeal is likely, as his case was strengthened by the league’s bureaucratic breakdown upon the arrival of video evidence for this case.

Sports leagues and colleges must work together with the government to change the national psyche and send a public message that sexual assault and domestic violence are unacceptable.[/dropcap] The league’s initial punishment, the two-game suspension, was received as an affront to victims of domestic violence everywhere. There was extreme backlash from the public and media, with some even calling for Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, to resign. Instead, Goodell released a letter acknowledging the NFL’s ability to set an example and promising to promote education on sexual assault and domestic violence in and out of the league. In wake of the Ray Rice incident, the NFL changed its policy to an automatic six-game suspension for domestic abuse, a change the league argues will allow for proper chastisement without eliminating the possibility of forgiveness.

Sexual assault policy is an equally (if not more) strained point of contention on college campuses. In many ways, the manner in which colleges deal with sexual assault charges is similar to the NFL’s treatment of the Ray Rice case. Especially when it comes to sexual assault allegations against colleges’ and universities’ top athletes. The case against Jameis Winston, the reigning Heisman winner and star quarterback for Florida State University, brought to light the flaws that exist within universities as well as athletic leagues in their sexual assault policies. Winston was accused of raping a freshman in 2012 but authorities appeared to deliberately avoid pursuing the case. Not only was there gross police misconduct in the handling of the case, but the police also failed to follow obvious leads, like a videotape of the assault, and chose not to interview or take DNA from Winston. The university also helped protect Winston. FSU denied public interviews and allowed Winston to continue playing football. By taking actions sympathizing with the alleged offender, the university created a difficult, punishing environment for the victim. Meanwhile, the NCAA has done little to set a good example in the handling of Winston’s case. The only action the NCAA has taken it release a handbook for colleges to help identify “the athlete’s role in support of healthy and safe campuses.” The handling, or mishandling, of this case could lead to larger consequences if the university or local courts hear a case.

Some colleges, however, have begun to enact changes to help reduce cases of sexual violence. Some of these changes are recommendations from a White House task force, a group put together by the President to help make higher education establishments and sports within them safer. Title IX complaints have been on the rise with arguments saying that sexual violence is a crime that interferes with a student’s right to receive education free of discrimination. But all too often, victims of sexual violence are lost in college bureaucracy and find their cases purposely handled behind closed doors in an attempt to uphold the university’s reputation, making justice a distant dream in a convoluted maze of self-interest. Colleges and the government have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment on campus and bring to justice those who have erred.

While the NFL, NCAA and colleges have made attempts to help stem the causes of sexual and domestic violence, they are unable to make large enough changes to a broken system by acting alone. In order to deliver a clear, resonating message to the American public, sports companies and universities must work together with the government. The government has policy-making abilities able to reach people all around the country, but without role models, like athletes, to convey positivity and trailblazers, like colleges, to spearhead the efforts, attempts to swing the country towards justice will fall on deaf, unwilling ears. So, as the nation continues to grapple with these complex issues, the leaders of our country must work in tandem to foster a safe, healthy environment that unilaterally decries sexual assault and domestic violence.