The Northern Star reported DeKalb police arrested a suspected rapist Thursday. The alleged victim was a 20-year-old female attending NIU. Though I have no connection to this student, and have no clue as to whether or not this woman was indeed raped, there is no doubt this woman is very brave.

Most rape victims shy away from ever telling anyone about the rape. If they do disclose anything about this terrifying attack, many victims never report it.

According to http://feminist.com, “the most common emotional responses to … rape are guilt, fear, powerlessness, shame, betrayal, anger and denial.”

Rape victims, especially females, often feel shame as though they did something that caused this violent act. It’s no one’s fault besides the rapists.

This woman is especially brave because her reputation, whether she ever discloses her name or not, is on the line.

People may assume this woman, or any rape victim for that matter, flirted with a man to the point he could not resist. That is wrong.

No one has the right to do anything to you. Flirting doesn’t give anyone a free pass to take advantage of someone.

The alleged victim knew what to do in order to seek justice for the crime, but some people may not have a clue.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) says on its Web site, people should “find a safe environment, preserve evidence of the attack [don’t bathe or brush your teeth], get medical attention, report the rape to law enforcement authorities, remember that the rape wasn’t your fault, give yourself time to heal, and remember that it’s never too late to call.”

Victims find it hard to talk about traumatic experiences like these, but it’s important to remember you are not alone.

Just Sunday, Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles revealed to the New York Times he is a survivor of sexual abuse. During ages 10 through 13, Coles was molested by a man his mother, Sirretta, was dating at the time. His mother eventually married that man – but divorced him once she found out about the molestation.

In the world of the NFL, you don’t hear players talking about things like this, especially when they are still playing in the league. As ESPN.com columnist Adrian Wojnarowski said, “no one… has ever left himself prone like Coles has done now.”

Coles had the courage to speak from the heart on his sexual abuse.

“Coming up, I always felt like I was the only one it ever happened to. If this gets one kid to come out and say, ‘This happened to me,’ or ‘It is happening to me,’ I think it’s a plus. I haven’t talked about it in forever, [but] … being on this platform, it was something that should be said.”

He could get some insensitive ribbing from his opponents, maybe from his own teammates, but his bravery is a testament to his character. He can handle the insults.

There are no heroes after rape – no matter how brave anyone is. Depending on the person, the effects can be ever-lasting. It’s hard to imagine going through an experience that agonizing.

Even if Alberto Vasquez is convicted of the crime, the NIU student will have to live with having been taken advantage of. Fortunately, this woman’s bravery brings awareness to the entire NIU community and could prevent future rapes from happening or going unpunished.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.