Rape culture is the trivialisation of sexual assault. It stems from outdated attitudes towards sexuality and gender norms. Roughly 1 in 3 women experience physical/ sexual violence. Sadly, very few such cases lead to a conviction.
Victims of sexual assault need a way of coping to help their mental health. This could be a particular activity, person, or seeing mental health professionals/ getting medication
Violence is never acceptable and we should work towards a system and society in which victims feel comfortable getting help and holding the perpetrator accountable!
Sexual violence can impact anybody, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Especially male sexual assault victims face a lot of stigma. Constant immersion in rape culture leaves an imprint on everybody’s mental health.
Victims are frequently gaslit and told they could have resisted rape if they truly wanted to, or that the way they acted was indeed indicative of consent. As a result, victims often blame themselves and carry trauma and shame.
Rape culture is perpetuated through behaviors such as:
Placing responsibility for avoiding sexual assault on the victim
Scrutinizing the victim to undermine their credibility (shaming for clothes, history, intoxication, or “promiscuity”)
Refusing to take rape accusations seriously
Assumptions that people who are raped are weak
Educating groups at risk how to avoid rape, rather than teaching people not to rape
Sympathizing with predators and gaslighting victims
Gendered violence in pop culture
Mental Health effects of sexual assault:
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): After the assault, the victim may remember the situation vividly, their lives interrupted by flashbacks and fear. There are many ways through which PTSD may manifest.
Anxiety: Panic attacks and strong fear of certain situations or traits in people may result from such violation and deprivation of body autonomy. Many fear that such a situation could repeat, and can, in some cases, be terrified of leaving their homes.
Depression: Loss of control and having your body violated may incite feelings of helplessness and desolation, which can lead to depression.
Attachment Problems: after being attacked, intimacy may be difficult for those abused, for fear of the violence repeating, shame and disgust felt to one's body, or overall fear of closeness.
Sources:
World Health Organization. (2021, March 9). Devastatingly pervasive: 1 in 3 women globally experience violence. WHO. https://www.who.int/news/item/09-03-2021-devastatingly-pervasive-1-in-3-women-globally-experience-violence
Mezey, G., & King, M. (1989). The effects of sexual assault on men: A survey of 22 victims. Psychological Medicine, 19(1), 205-209. doi:10.1017/S0033291700011168
RAINN. (n.d.). The Criminal Justice System: Statistics. Retrieved June 30, 2021, from https://rainn.org/statistics/criminal-justice-system
Penn, N. (2014, September 2). “Son, Men Don’t Get Raped.” GQ. https://www.gq.com/story/male-rape-in-the-military
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