When Olivia Petter encountered the news of sexual assault allegations at Cornell University, she was struck by how familiar the storyline was for her own life. “The more information I gathered, the more affected I felt,” she shared. For Petter, witnessing the alleged exchange of messages between the accused individuals on the night in question was particularly unsettling.
Petter, a London-based author, connected this experience with her past at a boarding school in England. She recalled being targeted by older boys since the age of 13, often subjected to degrading actions and comments, such as being called “fresh meat” or rated aloud based on appearance. Petter remembered an incident at 17 when a boy invaded her privacy at a party. This invasive experience led to a sense of panic that she found difficult to articulate at the time.
She explained that many instances of sexual assault went unrecognized during her youth due to a lack of understanding and language to describe them, a culture that persisted into her university years. Petter, now 32, has joined others online, sharing her story in the wake of the allegations at a Cornell University fraternity house.
Legal action has been taken by a former Cornell student, referred to as Jane Doe, who has filed a lawsuit against the university and former students, claiming she was drugged and raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell. Some men accused have denied these allegations. This situation is part of a broader reevaluation of views on sexual violence. Many women have used social media to discuss their experiences using the hashtag #IamJaneDoe.
Other universities have recognized these issues as well. The Daily Pennsylvanian, a student publication at the University of Pennsylvania, addressed this in an editorial titled, “Penn has a Cornell problem, too.” Survivors find following such reports can trigger reliving past assaults. Hannah Braunstein, a psychotherapist and trauma expert based in Washington D.C., highlighted that such coverage could evoke intense memories and sensations for survivors. “They are overwhelmed by news and recalling their experiences,” Braunstein stated. “It can be horrifying and transport them back in time.”
For Erin Smith, a yoga instructor and mindfulness coach in Kentucky, the reaction was swift and intense upon learning about the Cornell news. “I was so furious,” Smith said, “I had to pace around to manage the rage.” Her feelings were reminiscent of distress from a childhood assault. “I felt the same stomach churning I endured when it happened,” explained Smith, now 53.
According to Braunstein, frequent exposure to such stories can amplify emotions, yet there is often a compulsion to seek more information with the hope of resolution. “There’s a belief that more details will bring relief,” she said, “but often, it instead keeps people emotionally charged.” She advises setting time limits for news consumption and shifting focus to immediate surroundings when feeling inundated.
Smith discovered solace in distancing herself from social media commentary, opting for outdoor activities, spending time with her dog, and playing the guitar to calm down. Although the anger lingers, she has begun to express her feelings through writing. Petter also channels her frustration into writing, aiming to foster dialogue about sexual assault. “I want my anger to lead these conversations,” Petter expressed, “particularly with men.” She encouraged men to discuss and challenge demeaning remarks about women within their circles, online and offline.
For Smith, the Cornell case resonates profoundly as it brings back memories for many survivors. “Jane Doe represents a collective experience,” she remarked, “many of us have similar stories.”
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