Sexual assault and violence have long been issues, but in recent years there have been an increasing number of efforts created to help prevent such crimes. 

Members of Cal High’s Justice Project club work together to raise funds that will go to helping victims of sexual violence. 

Justice Project, which meets on Tuesdays in Room 121,  collaborates with the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, or RAINN, which is the country’s largest anti-sexual violence association.

“I don’t hope to change the world because I know one club can’t do that,” said junior club member Maya Morris. “I just want to make a difference in at least one person’s life.”

The idea for the club all came about when the parents of co-president Sanjana Murthy told her about a sexual assault case in India. 

The event deeply affected the junior and inspired her to create the new club this year.

Murthy and co-president Sidney Dutcher, also a junior, both wanted to make a difference and spread the word about how to help sexual assault victims. 

They began to research different influential charities and organizations that work to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual assault.  

Within RAINN, members or volunteers can take on a variety of different jobs to help those in need. 

Whether it is fundraising for victims or supporting survivors through an online hotline, volunteers can truly make a difference in victims’ lives. 

“RAINN was a breakthrough for us, but we wanted to find a way to let others in our community and school know what a huge issue sexual assault is in our society today,” said Murthy. 

Regarding profit at the association, 93 cents of every $1 donated goes directly to helping survivors and preventing sexual violence, according to the RAINN website.

By creating a schoolwide club, Murthy, Dutcher and all other members can express the importance of preventing sexual assault, provide assistance to survivors or individuals dealing with sexual violence, and educate students and teachers who may not be aware of how prominent the issue of sexual assault truly is. 

Justice Project members and other advocates also believe sexual assault victims shouldn’t have to hide. Instead, individuals should come out and look for others for support and guidance. 

“I think talking about sexual assault should not be taboo,” said biology teacher Joanna Condon. “That encourages people to keep incidences of assault under cover instead of searching for help.” 

The club’s whole concept is to raise money for RAINN that goes to helping victims return to their regular lives. With the money raised, survivors will be able to have access to therapy as well as safer and non-abusive environments to live.

Justice Project members believe that when organizations like RAINN collaborate with  schools or outside groups, awareness can be spread about the issues and help individuals across the world.  

“I joined the Justice Project because I thought that the club’s cause was amazing and I supported everything they stood for 100 percent,” said club member Laura Hughes, a junior.

Justice Project held an event last month at lunch to fundraise money for victims. Dedicated club members created 30 handmade bracelets and gave them to students who donated $2 or more to support sexual assault victims. In two days the club raised $101, about 10 percent of its final goal.

Justice Project members also believe that preventing sexual assault in society and supporting victims of sexual violence is an essential trait today. 

“I think that getting forced into doing something against your will is one of the worst things that can happen to a person,” said club member Max Fallejo, a junior.

In Justice Project, as well as RAINN, communication and consent are the key steps to take to prevent sexual assault. 

Knowing no means no and respecting personal boundaries not only averts sexual violence but also creates a safer environment for everyone. 

As for the future, the club plans on hosting more fundraisers and events, as well as bringing back the friendship bracelets to raise more money for victims.