Anecdotally, this statistic is closer to 1 in 3 or  1 in 2. It’s upsetting to consider but all of the women in my life, as well as myself, have been sexually assaulted in one way or another - only 1 of those people have reported it. Women don’t come forward because “I lead them on”, “it wasn’t even THAT big of a deal”, “it’s not like they’d believe me”, “I’d been drinking so it’s partly my fault”... the list goes on and on. Generally, blaming themselves because they have been conditioned to believe that if something happens it’s because you “weren’t clear enough”. Not only does consent need to become a conversation that is had throughout school, beginning at primary school and continuing through to senior years, but also the conversation of what is and is not alright to accept as appropriate behaviour. Too many women are under the impression that certain behaviour is “fine” despite it bothering them and that if they are uncomfortable they are “over-reacting”. The perpetuation of this rhetoric is why things aren’t reported, the abuse cycle continues and young girls and women continue to get victimised. It is unbelievable to me that the question of whether “consent should be taught within schools” is still up for debate. It is overdue and, whilst it is not entirely to blame, until something is changed, girls and women will remain at risk of sexual assault within schools, workplaces and the community.