UNITED STATES
NJ.com

By Mark Crawford

Last Sunday night at the Academy Awards, in many ways, was an event to remember. Not just because of the controversy so boldly acknowledged by the show’s host, Chris Rock regarding the lack of diversity among those nominated for awards, but also because it shined a light on the issue of sexual assault and abuse — an issue which, for much too long, has been one that we as a society would rather not talk about.

A highlight was the appearance of Vice President Joe Biden, who challenged those watching to “pledge to intervene on behalf of those woman and men sexually abused, who did not or cannot consent.”

He acknowledged sexual assaults happen to women and men at staggering proportions on college campuses. He then introduced pop star Lady Gaga — herself a sexual assault survivor — who performed a sobering rendition…