Sexual violence against women does not occur in a vacuum. It thrives in a culture that insists women must live within moral boundaries defined by men, and that when they dare to cross those boundaries, men are entitled to punish them.

The allegations of sexual assault and rape at Cornell University are horrifying and deserve a thorough investigation that leaves no stone unturned. It took extraordinary courage for this young woman to come forward to university administrators and police. What she reported demanded urgency, seriousness, and an unflinching pursuit of the truth from the very beginning. Sexual assault remains far too common on college campuses across America, and the culture of silence and complicity that allows it to persist must be confronted. It is incumbent upon all of us – elected officials, university leaders, faculty, and students – to build campus communities where sexual violence is never tolerated, minimized, or ignored. There must now be a truly independent and exhaustive investigation — not only into what happened, but into how this case was handled from the moment she came forward. Every fact must be uncovered. Every failure must be examined. Wherever wrongdoing occurred, there must be accountability. She had the courage to come forward. No survivor should have to summon that courage — and then fight the system to make it respond.

False stories about sexual violence DO cause serious harm. And they can cause victims and survivors to feel shame or to blame themselves for what happened. It can make it difficult for them to talk about it or get help. Read more about rape myths here:

Protesters calling for tougher action against sexual violence rallied on Thursday outside the New York City courthouse where a Cornell University student stirred a national uproar by suing several campus fraternity members she accused of gang rape.

Protesters calling for tougher action against sexual violence rallied outside the New York City courthouse where a Cornell University student stirred a national uproar by suing several campus fraternity members she accused of gang rape

Protesters calling for tougher action against sexual violence rallied on Thursday outside the New York City courthouse where a Cornell University student stirred a national uproar by suing several campus fraternity members she accused of gang rape.

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict — a moment to reflect on the devastating impact of conflict around the world, with women and girls often most at risk of harm. The Duchess of Edinburgh has long been a passionate advocate for the vital role that women play in peacebuilding and drawing attention to the issue of conflict-related sexual violence that continues to be perpetrated around the world. Her Royal Highness has met survivors, peacebuilders, medical professionals and changemakers across the globe — from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Kosovo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Chad and beyond. Through listening, learning and lending her voice, The Duchess continues to shine a light on the courage of survivors and the urgent need for global action.

Supporting someone who has experienced rape or another form of sexual violence or abuse can feel really hard. But by being there and listening to them you're already helping. Dos and don'ts for supporters:

Students have to be kept safe on college campuses – but recent reports of sexual violence make it clear that changes are needed. We’re co-leading bipartisan legislation with @RepRoKhanna, @RepLoisFrankel, and @RepBrianFitz to ensure there’s more transparency, accountability, and support for students.