Lady Gaga is taking a stand against sexual assault on campus with the release of a new music video. The song, “Til It Happens To You,” was written for the documentary “The Hunting Ground,” which takes a closer look at sexual assault on campus and the impact of this crime on students.
The video highlights the realities of campus sexual assault and takes a closer look at the way the crime can impact a survivor’s day to day life. The storyline follows three separate incidents of sexual assault on campus, involving students from different backgrounds and experiences. The scenes depicting sexual violence may be difficult for some viewers to watch, especially survivors. It’s important to remember that you are in control of your own viewing experience. Consider these tips on consuming media to make the experience more comfortable.
Women ages 18 to 24 who are enrolled in college are three times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence. But women aren’t the only ones affected by this crime. About 3% of American men — or 1 in 33 — have experienced a sexual assault in their lifetime. As sexual violence continues to be prevalent both on- and off-campus, it’s time to recognize the role that bystanders can play in stepping in before something happens. You don’t have to be a hero or even stand out from the crowd to make a difference in someone’s life. Learn ways to step in that fit your comfort level so that you can feel confident intervening if something doesn’t feel right.
RAINN supports survivors on campus by ensuring they have access to the help they need. RAINN Day is a grassroots program designed to get college students involved by educating their peers on campus about sexual violence. RAINN provides information and shareable resources for students to promote the National Sexual Assault Hotline on campus through their own RAINN Day events.
“We are thrilled to see how far the message has been spreading, thanks to Lady Gaga and ‘The Hunting Ground,’” said Katherine Hull Fliflet, RAINN’s vice president of communications. “We want survivors to know they are not alone and connect them with support—and this video will help make a huge impact."
RAINN thanks Lady Gaga and “The Hunting Ground” for sharing the National Sexual Assault Hotline at the end of the “Till It Happens to You” video, and for spreading awareness about the realities of campus sexual assault. Survivors and their loved ones can find free, confidential support, anytime 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Call 800.656.HOPE or chat online at online.rainn.org y en español: rainn.org/es.
Download and Watch:
“Til It Happens To You” is available on iTunes and VEVO.
Related Resources:
Three Ways You Can Increase Campus Safety
Campus Safety and Accountability Act
Reducing Your Risk
Take Action:
Take action on campus with RAINN.
Tell your representative
to support legislation that helps survivors through the Campus Accountability and Safety Act.
Make a donation through the National Sexual Assault Hotline to support survivors.
Join "The Hunting Ground’s" campaign “See Act Stop.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org, y en español: rainn.org/es.
About RAINN
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of "America's 100 Best Charities" by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. In 2015, the Online Hotline expanded to offer services in Spanish at rainn.org/es. The hotlines have helped more than two million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.