Sexual Assault

Of all the traumatic events that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whether it be sexual assault, domestic violence, warfare, natural disasters, serious accidents, or other life-threatening situations, certainly rape must be the most pernicious. Rape lives on in the anger and grief and depression and adhesive shame that it creates in one evil burst of violence. It can damage the very soul of an individual or a society in a way that is not addressable by mere time and money.

We will be joined by new member Amanda Dufresne Lee whose story (click: Amanda) highlights her strength in overcoming trauma and her dedication to helping others through advocacy and community engagement. Amanda is a survivor of a violent sexual assault that occurred in 2003 while she was a college student in Waco, Texas, as she was jogging in preparation for a half-marathon, in a way that brings to mind the 1989 Central Park case.

Amanda’s account could be anyone’s there-but-for-the-grace-of-God-go-I story. We are indeed fortunate to be joined by this brave and resilient soul who has spoken publicly about her experience as she advocates for awareness and support for like survivors of sexual assault through such organizations as SOAR (Speaking Out Against Rape).

The impact goes well beyond the individual to implicate all of society i.e. the attendant shame and emotional distress that can discourage survivors from even disclosing the experience; the societal tendency to invalidate an account out of fear such disclosure violates social norms; the silence arising from the fear of judgment itself. In other words, the fumbling societal reaction (for whatever reason) may tend to compound the tragedy.

That’s why this is such an important topic to discuss with brutal honesty. The corrosive effect of rape on society is such that it is sometimes even applied as a tool of war in the way it adminsters a grave, long-lasting wound to its morale and identity. When a woman is raped in war, she and her family and ultimately her community internalize the assault upon their identity.

While outright rape may be regarded as a tool of war, we may discuss the whole spectrum of sexual assault within that thin veneer of civilization closer to home. Avoid the temptation to minimize the impact by applying the term collateral damage.

Please note the following RSVP Policy for Member Monday: RSVP sign-up opens up at 11:00am on Fridays via the City Club weekly Newsletter. Seats are first-come, first-served: the first 14 secure a spot at the table, the last 3 on the couch. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance or the standard Social Lunch rate applies.