Rapists Cause Rape
Labelling who is the 'victim' and who is the 'aggressor' is sometimes hard to establish in criminal cases. For the two to be successfully differentiated, there are many things to consider, for example circumstance, motive and, perhaps the utilitarian view: whether the outcome benefited the majority. Like the labels of 'good' and 'bad'- which ultimately the prior labels have connotations of- things aren't always black and white. For instance, I deem self defence and murder in two completely different categories despite the fact they both may result in death. However, the impartiality on who is the 'criminal' and the 'victim', and the confusion of whose 'fault' it is should reach a limit. And quite disturbingly, this is seeming to be forgotten in cases where it is- blatantly I must add- black and white. Rape.
Rape by definition- any act of sexual intercourse that is forced upon a person- should immediately rectify the misjudgements some people have. The view that the victim of the assault is responsible or 'asked for it'. And if the definition, which clearly establishes resilience and definitely disproves this apparent desire, does not disparage such claims then I can only blame ignorance. So let this article enlighten the Stone Age views that still seem to held by many.
In 2010, a survey was undertaken that shows startling views about rape. It was reported by the BBC News that “one third blamed victims who had dressed provocatively or gone back to the attacker's house for a drink”. How one reaches this conclusion and rationalises this is difficult to comprehend. A short dress may attract attention from others but I don't understand how this means that rape is acceptable. Being drunk may make one more vulnerable but how does that affirm rape? It doesn't. And although these aspects are presented by many to maximise a persons likelihood to be attacked, is it even true as the majority of rapes are committed not by strangers but by familiar person and not spurred on from revealing clothing.
What these views are causing are victims less likely to come forward about the attack, resulting in these repulsive attackers not receiving the comeuppance. How is that acceptable? For the innocent to be so antagonised by society that they cannot seek for what they deserve. The perpetrator should be the one who should feel alienated by society after abusing the power they may have. How one dresses or how much alcohol is consumed does not constitute to consent and therefore there was certainty no 'asking for it'.
A rape victim is innocent despite some rather disturbing views from many idols and celebrities that spread the contrasting, ignorant views. Serena Williams, one of the most influential women in the sports world, made comments which fuelled outrage last month after her interview about the Steubenville case, a case where a school girl was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her peers while incapacitated. In her interview it seemed that the World No.1 had equal struggle in deciding who's fault it is. She even went on to state that 'she's lucky' as it could have been much worse. Now, perhaps I'm somehow missing Serena's point but I cannot see, in any case, where a young woman- sixteen years old- should be grateful to have experienced something as traumatic and devastating as rape. No one can deny that her drunken state made her more susceptible to rapists, who thrive to feel powerful, but drinking isn't illegal. And rape is. And that is an important thing to remember. Don't minimise sexual assaults.
So when mothers tell you to pull down skirts so the hemline is 'less dangerous', battle against the, only too common, misconception that the amount of leg showing is an open invite to unwanted attention- sexual or any other kind. We shouldn't be limited by the false, judgemental views of society and instead let's battle against them. The international “Sl*tWalk” movement combats this wrong ideology. It is a prime example of the thousands who have understood how black and white rape is. Thousands come together in this protest as a backlash to many court cases where the aggressor did not receive the punishment deserved. And why? Because of the victim's behaviour. These protests illustrate an important point; how it is not the victim who needs to change but the underlying judgement that society seems to hold.
If society wants some advice with how to prevent rape then it should make sure the rapist knows that it is wrong and stop blaming the victim. Society needs to teach that rape is completely unacceptable and that is the pivotal moment where rape will be reduced. No one should feel that they have to change how they act to prevent rape as victims of these horrendous assaults are inherently innocent.
Rape by definition- any act of sexual intercourse that is forced upon a person- should immediately rectify the misjudgements some people have. The view that the victim of the assault is responsible or 'asked for it'. And if the definition, which clearly establishes resilience and definitely disproves this apparent desire, does not disparage such claims then I can only blame ignorance. So let this article enlighten the Stone Age views that still seem to held by many.
In 2010, a survey was undertaken that shows startling views about rape. It was reported by the BBC News that “one third blamed victims who had dressed provocatively or gone back to the attacker's house for a drink”. How one reaches this conclusion and rationalises this is difficult to comprehend. A short dress may attract attention from others but I don't understand how this means that rape is acceptable. Being drunk may make one more vulnerable but how does that affirm rape? It doesn't. And although these aspects are presented by many to maximise a persons likelihood to be attacked, is it even true as the majority of rapes are committed not by strangers but by familiar person and not spurred on from revealing clothing.
What these views are causing are victims less likely to come forward about the attack, resulting in these repulsive attackers not receiving the comeuppance. How is that acceptable? For the innocent to be so antagonised by society that they cannot seek for what they deserve. The perpetrator should be the one who should feel alienated by society after abusing the power they may have. How one dresses or how much alcohol is consumed does not constitute to consent and therefore there was certainty no 'asking for it'.
A rape victim is innocent despite some rather disturbing views from many idols and celebrities that spread the contrasting, ignorant views. Serena Williams, one of the most influential women in the sports world, made comments which fuelled outrage last month after her interview about the Steubenville case, a case where a school girl was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her peers while incapacitated. In her interview it seemed that the World No.1 had equal struggle in deciding who's fault it is. She even went on to state that 'she's lucky' as it could have been much worse. Now, perhaps I'm somehow missing Serena's point but I cannot see, in any case, where a young woman- sixteen years old- should be grateful to have experienced something as traumatic and devastating as rape. No one can deny that her drunken state made her more susceptible to rapists, who thrive to feel powerful, but drinking isn't illegal. And rape is. And that is an important thing to remember. Don't minimise sexual assaults.
So when mothers tell you to pull down skirts so the hemline is 'less dangerous', battle against the, only too common, misconception that the amount of leg showing is an open invite to unwanted attention- sexual or any other kind. We shouldn't be limited by the false, judgemental views of society and instead let's battle against them. The international “Sl*tWalk” movement combats this wrong ideology. It is a prime example of the thousands who have understood how black and white rape is. Thousands come together in this protest as a backlash to many court cases where the aggressor did not receive the punishment deserved. And why? Because of the victim's behaviour. These protests illustrate an important point; how it is not the victim who needs to change but the underlying judgement that society seems to hold.
If society wants some advice with how to prevent rape then it should make sure the rapist knows that it is wrong and stop blaming the victim. Society needs to teach that rape is completely unacceptable and that is the pivotal moment where rape will be reduced. No one should feel that they have to change how they act to prevent rape as victims of these horrendous assaults are inherently innocent.
