They were shaking in fear. Tears rolled down their cheeks. What happened? Was it their fault? Did they do something improper for it to happen? Flashbacks of what happened started to torment them. They need help. They're pleading for support, but who can help them when no one knows? Even the fact that something happened is hidden.

They are hesitant to ask for help. Will they judge them? Will they condemn them for something they did not ask? Will they say such things without being aware of what transpired?

"When everyone believes you, what's that like?" -Taylor Swift.

People around the world, men and women, experience sexual assault. Sexual assault is violating someone else's privacy and property in a sexual manner. Sexual assault includes touching someone's body without consent, having an inappropriate conversation with a minor or someone who is uncomfortable and ends up feeling wrong, sexual harassment, incest, non-consensual nudity, and child pornography. Sexual harassment can be in the form of physical, verbal, and emotional actions.

People are scared of asking for help and even telling someone about their encounter with sexual assault. Some are too judgmental to blame the victim for experiencing something they didn't want to encounter. They would ask about irrelevant things such as your clothes, the time when the harassment happened, did you drink alcohol, whether you were alone, and others. These statements could be too disheartening for people who experienced the assault. It must be challenging for them to open up since society would interrogate them like they are the ones who committed the crime.

It could happen universally to anyone. There's no such thing as the "wrong place" for degenerates and rapists. They would do anything to please their carnal desire without considering people's life. Some parents or guardians would tell their kids to dress appropriately, set curfew, avoid talking to strangers and get strict for this reason, which is questionable. Yes, we need to dress as we need to fit our style to events and places, but clothes aren't the grounds for sexual harassment. Going home late doesn't mean that you're asking to be sexualized. Talking to strangers doesn't mean that you want them to degrade you. And being too tight with your kids doesn't always mean that you're saving them from being assaulted.

What we need to do is to act appropriately and teach our kids basic human decency. There's no harassment and crime without the criminals. Be one of the reasons for change—a change for good and the betterment of our country and people. There's no shame in being well-mannered and nothing to lose in being a good person. But there are a lot of things that you could lose if you continue being a miscreant.

If you ever encounter a sexual assault, whether it's happening to someone or yourself, do not be afraid to speak up. We shouldn't be scared to fight for the right thing. Tolerating these things wouldn't improve the situation. Speak up not only for yourself but also for the people around you.

And to those who experience sexual harassment, always remember that you did nothing wrong. You did not ask for it. What you wear and what you do aren't the things that give consent. Be brave to speak up for the voiceless and unheard. What happened will not define your worth.

Continue living your life, and do not let that tragedy affect your dreams. Do not be afraid of being judged by society, be disturbed by what could happen if you won't give the sentence the criminals deserve. Be the start and end the stigma.

Always take sexual assault or any assault as a serious matter. These things should not be subject to amusement. Be sensitive and mindful of our words. Educate those who are still clueless and lack knowledge of this thing.

A reminder, always get consent. A non-consensual action is a form of crime that is punishable by law. Again, we should not blame victims for something they did not want. Speak up and listen.