The social and psychological effects of rape culture on victims and how can our society help to limit these consequences
Abstract:
This article examines the social and psychological effects of rape culture on victims. In our society these are the most common things, this article also examines how our society can help to limit these consequences. Research says that some rape victims have positive, helpful experiences with society, but for the majority number of victims, post-assault help-seeking becomes another sex assault, we can say “Second Rape”. the change of mentality can bring so much peace in these people’s lives.
Introduction:
Rape culture is where rape, sexual harassment is normalized. It includes rapists and people who are unbothered by the actions taken by rapists. In America every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted and younger people are at the highest risk. There is a 69% chance of someone around the age of 12-34 getting sexually assaulted. Not only is it higher for youngers it is also very risky for native Americans. “American Indians are twice as likely to experience a rape/ sexual assault compared to all races.” (Rainn) The number is much higher in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Swaziland, and many more. Rape is one of the reasons why independence is taken away from most females in many countries. It leaves the victims with a lifetime scar which can be only reduced to a certain point with the help of family, friends, and a new mindset of our society.
Rape Culture
Crime against women has always been a big thing in southeast countries. In those countries, parents are constantly in fear for their daughter’s safety. In Bangladesh, a seven years old girl was raped after stepping out of the house for a few minutes. “I urge the country people, stay alert so that your daughters do not fall prey to the brutality my daughter was subjected to; try to protect your daughters,” Abdus Salam said in a tear-choked voice.” (“I couldn’t protect my daughter; try to save yours”,2019) The girl went out for a while with the permission of her mother and did not return to her parents. This is only one of the many cruel stories. Most
India is one of the countries where there is minimum safety for women. More than 32,500 rape cases were registered in the year 2017. women are brutally assaulted and killed afterward. Rape has become to be a normal thing in India mostly because of their society. In most of these cases, women are blamed for the assault. Many of these people claim that girls give them hints by wearing revealing clothing, others believe girls should always follow a curfew and get home early. (6 Years After Nirbhaya, Men Tell us Why Men Rape, 2018) These are only a few examples of what girls in Southeast Asia hear. They are the reason why rape is still a big crime. These people do not acknowledge the fault of the guys which encourages them to commit these crimes. They are a major part of rape culture. This culture taught men to be dominant, powerful, sexually aggressive. Men are used to being praised by this culture. They are not being questioned like the girls are. Whenever there is news about rape, these society people will bring out the question about where she was, why she was out so late, why she was wearing revealing clothing. “She must be covered and look respectable. That way, no man will try anything,” he says. “A man will only have bad thoughts about a woman if she is showing a lot of flesh. Not otherwise.” (Dhillon,2017) This is the mentality that is behind rapists. Their mentality ruins the life of a victim. As time is changing and people are coming together as one and changing many old ideas of our culture, many men are disturbed by the concept of gender equality which is also a reason for the increase of sexual violence.
Effects of Rape and Social Pressure
Rape leaves an immediate scar in the victim’s life. On top of that, social pressure makes it unbearable. Each victim will recover differently depending on their “personal style, culture, and context of the survivor’s life.” There will be a lot of emotional reactions like “guilt, shame, self-blame, embarrassment, fear, distrust, sadness, vulnerability, isolation” psychological reactions- “nightmares, flashbacks, depression, difficulty concentrating”. (effects of sexual violence) These are some of the reactions that can come from the survivors. Recovering from posttraumatic stress disorder can take a long period of time especially when the victims have to be silent. As mentioned earlier, society plays a big role in this crisis. Many victims are afraid to speak about their experience because of the hate and threat that can come to their families and themselves. “Rape survivors who speak out about their assault experiences are often punished for doing so when they are subjected to negative reactions from support providers.” (Ahrens,2006) Many are afraid of the negative reaction that can come from formal supporters or experts after sharing their experience. It is understandable for them to be sensitive about this topic, so when someone asks a question or seems to be doubting their explanation can be super challenging for them to handle. After going through a major trauma, it is usual for victims to not trust or talk to anyone with comfort. So, when experts also doubt them it forces them to isolate themselves and not share their thoughts with others which becomes much more dangerous for them.
Rapists tend to kill the victim right after assaulting her to stop her from exposing them and many commit suicide after not being able to handle the pain. Even though the crime is committed by a guy, girls are the individuals who walk around with shame. Many of these girls commit suicide with the thought of not being able to go outside without being insulted, blamed. 13 years old girl was raped by her childhood friend’s brother. She was brave enough to inform her parents, however, she could not live with it which pushed her into committing suicide. (Rani,2020) Society plays such a huge part in the recovery of the victim. The victim-blaming, doubting if they were provoking the rapist can be more effective than we think.
Family’s Contribution in Recovery
The victim’s family is the main support system they have. By regrading and wanting things to go back will only hurt them more because that will encourage them to blame themselves for the decision they made. Rather, believing in the victim, standing out for them, becoming their support system will give them the courage to live. (A guide for friends and Family of Sexual Violence Survivors,2020). Family and friends should not just avoid social comments. Rather, they should be doing everything possible to change society’s perspective. It will give the survivor the courage to speak up and seek justice. They should work on making her stronger than ever, so she can help other girls to be stronger.
The Needed Change
Everyone needs to understand that a girl doesn’t put herself in these situations. Government rules will never work in favor of reducing rape cases if people do not change. People’s mentality is the main cause of rape culture. “If women are not “good,” he said, men have a right to “teach them a lesson” by raping them. And if that happens, the woman being raped has a responsibility to silently accept the assault. “When being raped, she shouldn’t fight back. She should just be silent and allow the rape.” (Taub,2015) This was said by a rapist. We have heard many others say this and it is just not okay. The government can come up with much stricter laws and nothing will change.
Conclusion
Rape is an issue that is frequently talked about. However, there is no change happening about this. The number of rape cases is increasing, and women are suffering. Recovering from this trauma can take such a long time. Parents need to teach their sons to be respectful toward females as they will toward their mother, sister. Also, our older generation needs to stop normalizing rape and see the fault in rapists. Victims go through a massive amount of emotional, physical, and phycological pain. Help them to recover and become stronger to end rape for all.
Bibliography
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