Summary Of Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

Sexual violence happens every day across the world, “it is estimated that as high as 90% of rapes go unreported," (Repp). The majority of victims that are took advantage of are women. The perpetrators are usually men who lack empathy. Sexually violence both physically and mentally violates one of the basic human rights, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” ("Universal Declaration"). By increasing communications, educating the youth, and reducing mental abuse human rights activists will deter sexual violence in the educational environment. Consequently, in the novel “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson the main character is took advantage of and a victim of sexual violence. Throughout

The plot of the novel Speak is driven by the fact that Melinda could not communicate her problems. She could not tell Andy no, then she got raped. Then every other problem piled on top of her and she never communicated with the people that she had. Melinda said, "I couldn't tell anybody." (Anderson 118). All of her problems were because she had no one to talk to. She could not tell anyone because she was embarrassed. She was already a misfit in her high school and it was hard for her to make friends. No one would believe her if she just told them about her experience. It is understandable that she could not tell anyone, “as high as 90% of rapes go unreported...Because of the societal stigma, the painful hospital exam, the humiliating legal procedures, which include hours and hours of telling and retelling, living and reliving the rape.” (Repp). If that amount of rapes go unreported there need to be a better way for people to talk about their experience and seek

If males are taught that rape is not okay at a young age rape can be prevented in many cases. Sexual violence and rape can be stopped "through education and other means—to affect the choices of those who commit sexual violence or are likely to do so, bringing about attitude and behavior change that will reduce and eventually end the incidence of rape,” (Peck). Rape can be prevented in many cases if the male knows what rape is and when to stop. It is very important to educate them in the right them and show them the correct way to make love. There are programs and groups that are created to educate males, their, “goal is behavior and attitude change among boys and young men is the right focus," (Peck). Education can be the solution to all rape. It can change the outlook of the male population that rape is