|
In general, the continued ignorance and attitudes toward rape are perpetuated by a society who continues to view sex as a necessary experience -especially for males. And, while good girls don't do it, it is an obligation of girls who "want to keep their guy." Promiscuity in men is most often accepted and is almost encouraged even beyond marital commitment; yet similar behavior is deplorable in young girls or women.
While there have been great strides forward in harmonious equality for men and women, very little has been done to change sex-role behaviors and attitudes towards women. The accomplishment of gender integration has to be more than letting girls participate in generally male dominated sports. Even today, when a girl is raped, society tries to convey to rape victims that they are responsible for the assault. By blaming the victim, guilt and shame reinforces the silence that also keeps her from coming forward to prosecute or report her violation.
It is time to Speak Out. Male and female alike must come forward to eliminate the myths, lies, and deceptions about rape. This can only be done when men and women join together to overcome the socialization processes long established in our homes, churches, schools, and occupations. Civil society can no longer tolerate conversations, jokes, movies, music, or television which demean women and perpetuate the false hoods that keep men and women from ever becoming equal and harmonious.
We all must SPEAK OUT
|
When you hear: Sex is good, and rape is one way to obtain it!
SPEAK OUT:
Rape is not sex, and rape is not making love. Rape is a total violation of a woman's rights over her own body and of her ability to make a sexual choice. The sexual dimension of rape is less important than the violence. Rape is fundamentally a crime of violence and not even motivated by sexual desire. Rapists use sexual violence to dominate their victims to express anger and to feel powerful. That applies to date rape as well. Threats of violence, verbal degradation, and psychological violations are rape.
When you hear: Women ask for it!
SPEAK OUT:
The victim is absolutely not responsible for the rape. Quite often people assume that rape could have been prevented by avoidance. The truth is that virtually anyone placed in a life-threatening situation can be paralyzed by fear. Those who believe the women who look, acts, or dress in an attractive or seductive manner are "asking to be raped." The truth is an attractive person does not "ask to be raped" any more than a wealthy person asks to be robbed. No one ever has the right to violate another person by sexual assault.
When you hear: Only bad girls or promiscuous women are raped!"
SPEAK OUT:
There is no such thing as a "typical rape." Men and women are raped by both male and female assailants. Victims have ranged in age from 2 months to 97 years.
|
When you hear: Women often "cry rape."
SPEAK OUT:
Women are no more likely to make a false report about rape than individuals who falsely report other felonies. In fact, the percentage of false rape reports are estimated at less than 2%.
When you hear: It is not rape unless there has been a struggle or physical resistance.
SPEAK OUT:
Being forced to have sex without your consent is rape whether there was a fight or not. Alcohol, drugs, and coercion are weapons just like guns and knives. These common drugs compromise your ability to make decisions. If a person is out of control or passed out, having sex with them is a crime. Additionally, the fact that someone accused of rape was drunk is not a legal defense.
When you hear: Kissing and physical touching is permission for sex.
SPEAK OUT:
You may stop whenever you want. Some sexual contact may be welcome and others not. Agreeing to one form of contact does not mean you have agreed to all forms of sexual contact. Furthermore, having previous consensual sex does not mean any subsequent sexual encounter is not rape.
When you hear: Men and boys do not get raped
SPEAK OUT:
Almost as many boys as girls are sexually abused before they reach age 18. One in six males will be sexually victimized in his lifetime. Reportedly 98% of men who rape men are heterosexual. Rape is fundamentally an act of violence. The intent of rape is to humiliate and degrade; power and control, violence and aggression, and sadism are the motives of the rapist.
|