“Debunking Rape Culture in Modern Society”

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The International Journal of Legal Science and Innovation published a paper on rape trials. There is a particular statement mentioned in the journal:

“Women don’t get raped because they were drinking or took drugs. Women do not get raped because they weren’t careful enough. Women get raped because someone raped them.”

What is Rape Culture?

Rape culture is perpetuated using misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, normalizing sexual violence, and the glamorization of sexual violence, thereby creating a society that disregards women’s rights and safety. To comprehend the term, we need to examine some examples, which can be termed as rape myths. Rape culture doesn’t exist by accident; it is upheld and perpetuated by misguided attitudes and beliefs about violence, victimization, and perpetration. These attitudes and beliefs are called “rape myths.” Research shows that in communities with high acceptance of these myths, we also see higher rates of violence.

Let us debunk some rape myths:

1. Myth: The victim must have “asked for it” by being seductive, careless, drunk, or high. *Fact: No one asks to be abused, injured, or forced. No one can cause an offender to commit a crime against them.

2. Myth: People with disabilities are at low risk for sexual assault. *Fact: People with disabilities are victims of sexual assault twice as much as people without disabilities.

There are endless myths that cannot be covered in one discussion.

Some may argue that people who get drunk or take drugs, or who do not take personal safety precautions, should not be surprised if they are raped or sexually assaulted and must take some of the blame.

Reality: No one deserves to be raped or sexually assaulted. Being vulnerable does not imply consent. If someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or is unconscious, then they are not able to consent. As the Sexual Offences Act (2003) states, when a person lacks the choice or capacity to consent, then the fault and responsibility lie 100% with the rapist and not the victim (rapecrisis.org.uk).

Understanding Consent

When we talk about sexual violence, the first thing that we need to discuss is consent. What is consent?

Sexual activity requires consent, which is defined as a positive, unambiguous, and voluntary agreement to engage in specific sexual activity throughout a sexual encounter. Consent cannot be inferred from the absence of a “no”; a clear “yes,” is necessary. Consent to some sexual acts does not imply consent to others, nor does past consent to a given act imply present or future consent. Consent can be withdrawn by either party at any point in time. Consent cannot be obtained by threat, coercion, or force. Agreement under such circumstances does not constitute consent. Consent cannot be obtained from someone who is asleep or otherwise mentally or physically incapacitated, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or some other condition. A person is considered mentally or physically incapacitated when they lack the ability to make or act on considered decisions to engage in sexual activity.

The Importance of Education

Educating children about their bodies, body autonomy, and safe/unsafe touch from a young age is an important way to keep them safe. Talking about consent and safe/unsafe touch also means raising children who understand that sexual abuse is wrong. Education in general is indispensable.

Strong legislation is necessary for combating sexual violence effectively while safeguarding women against this horrifying crime. Access to justice needs to be facilitated for survivors, and stringent accountability standards should be maintained for perpetrators.

References:

Rape Culture and Consent:

Buchwald, E., Fletcher, P. R., & Roth, A. (2005). Transforming a Rape Culture. Milkweed Editions.

Rape Myths:

Burt, M. R. (1980). “Cultural Myths and Support for Rape.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 38(2), 217–230.

Sexual Violence Statistics:

Walters, M. L., Chen, J., & Breiding, M. J. (2013). “The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Summary Report.” National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Education and Prevention:

Fisher, B. S., Cullen, F. T., & Turner, M. G. (2000). “The Sexual Victimization of College Women.” U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.

Legal Framework:

Sexual Offences Act 2003. (UK). Available at legislation.gov.uk.