Society+is+Getting+Raped

‘Society is Getting Raped’ Christian Kennedy n7214928 Tutor:Dr Mangalam Sankupelly

The Artefact:



The artefact above is from an international newspaper, with the story title ‘Rape Laws In Dubai Are Awful, But So Is Rape Culture In America’. As with the little girl in the picture, the story outlines the terrible laws on rape in Dubai and the incredible push for them to be changed and the need for rape culture to be stopped worldwide. Dubai's laws actively put women in prison for getting raped, a culture that shuns and blames rape victims for their rape and asks them to keep quiet about it.

The Public Health issue:

The public health issue as presented by the artefact is the presence of rape and consent in society today, largely influenced by Rape Culture. In a rape culture, people are surrounded with images, language, laws, and other everyday phenomena that validate and promote rape. Such examples have a universal impact on how we view rape and sexual violence and in turn, create the ‘rape culture’. It is recognised that social groups such as Feminists more than others are largely opinionated and predisposed by rape culture. Overall rather than viewing the culture of rape in society as a problem that needs changing, people in a rape culture consider its persistence as acceptable and normal.

Literature Review:

Sexual violence occurs across all cultures with varying definitions of what constitutes sexual violence (Rozee, 1993). Whether it is through literature or opinions of individuals or groups, the idea that we live in a rape culture has been argued for a number of decades where cultures, attitudes and beliefs shape a society that are generally supportive of gender stereotyping and sexual violence (Brigham, 2011; Bhugra & Kalra, 2013; Talbot, Neil, Rankin, 2010). “Rape Culture” is a belief that violent male aggression toward women is an essential feature of male power and that rape is a pervasive fact of women’s lives (Brigham, 2011). Rape and consent is embedded in our culture through our collective beliefs and has rendered sexual violence as acceptable and normal. People in a rape culture consider its persistence as “just the way things are,” rather than a problem that needs changing.

Bhugra & Kalra (2013) identified that a lot of what an individual is today is shaped by the culture that he/she is raised in, obtaining values, attitudes, and behaviors. Further stating that culture plays an important role in how certain populations perceive, and process sexual acts as well as sexual violence. Furthermore the study by Martin and colleagues (2007) identifies rape culture including feminist’s theories, and how it is related to socioeconomic conditions. The results suggest that the percentage of divorced females, poverty, family income inequality, urban residence, and residential mobility are among the more consistent indicators of higher rape rates. While Talbot et al 2010, also describes that sexual violence is not just a social problem, but also a public health problem affecting a wide range of the population. Reinforcing the point anyone can be a victim regardless of age, gender, race and once more socioeconomic status, having lasting effects on victims, their families and the community the live in.

A number of studies have investigated rape myth in regard to myth acceptance and prevalence of rape-accepting attitudes identifying it as an important step in ending sexual violence in our society (Demming, 2013; McMahon 2007; Talbot et al, 2010). Rape myths serve no other purpose than to silence the victim, and in effect, prevent prosecution and punishment of the perpetrator. Analysis of rape myths is important because it is part of the primary level of prevention in the public health approach to sexual violence (Talbot et al, 2010).  Obtaining exact statistics on sexual violence around the world is near impossible due to the amount of incidents that go unreported. Across the country, rape and sexual assault remain among the more underreported crimes of both male and female victims, with barriers existing related to gender beliefs and differences (Sable, Danis, Mauzy, & Gallagher, 2006). Other reasons for victims failing to report sexual assault include being afraid, confused, ashamed or embarrassed, feeling guilty, not considering the crime serious enough and considering it a personal issue. Moreover males are less likely to report due to conceptions of masculinity, and fears about being labeled homosexual.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">In order to combat the stigma of rape and consent a number of literature report that it must start from the promotion and education of youth (Talbot et. al, 2010), in particular sex education in schools. Sex education is defined as age-appropriate, culturally relevant approach to teaching about sex and relationships by providing scientifically accurate, realistic, non-judgmental information (Jones, Hillier, 2012). Currently there is no national curriculum and many states don’t provide guidelines. This highlights that there is lack of consistency and generalisation, which are deemed as highly important (Henry, 2012). It is important that each young adult comes out of high school with equal quality sex education as it benefits physical, social and relationship health.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 17.3333px;">Cultural and Social Analysis:

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Today’s general society is one that accepts and promotes rape culture. But it is hard to discourage these beliefs and attitudes due to the fact that laws, language, social media, advertising of sport, fashion and virtually all other aspects of our culture have become sexualised to some degree (Talbot et al 2010).



<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Beginning in the early 1970s, feminist critics of rape law developed a powerful case showing that many victims of rape are violated twice, first by the assailant and second by the law. This demonstrated large and undeniable moral wrongs in the legal standards determining when rape occurs; that is, what counts as rape, criminal proceedings in rape cases, and the attitudes toward rape victims. However thirty years on after extensive scrutiny, criticism and persistent activism, results have shown developments that are significant, positive and arguably far-reaching (Panichas, 2001).

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Feminist theorists predict both a positive and negative relationship between gender equality and rape rates. On the topic of rape, consent and desire, radical feminists identify a universal pressure against women’s consent, which is part of and partially created by rape culture. Radical feminists identify that in areas where gender equality is high, rape rates will be lower than in areas with less gender equality (Martin, 2007). Meaning that in areas where equality is high, victimization may be enhanced as a form of backlash to establish the need of dominance for males over females.Alternatively, Marxist feminists focus on women’s absolute socioeconomic status rather than gender equality as a predictor of rape rates, whereas socialist feminists combine both radical and Marxist perspectives (Martin, 2007).

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Gender norms that underline women as property, and objects of sexual objectification generate a culture more accepting of sexual intimidation, aggression, and violence (Demming, 2013). The main focus for public health experts would be to promote and increase awareness especially for youths on the issue, as research has shown that having a belief in rape myths increases factors related to sexual violence and aids to victims of silence (Talbot et. al, 2010). Furthermore there are a number of ways men and women can combat rape culture individually and effectively create awareness. They can be as simple as avoiding language that objectifies or degrades women, speaking out when hearing offensive jokes or sayings relating to rape, thinking critically or even ignoring medias messages and lastly being respectful of others physical space. It is fair to say that through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence, we become a society that perpetuates and accepts Rape Culture.

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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 17.3333px;">Analysis of Artefact and Own Reflections:

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">The artefact presented at the top of the page identifies the real world presence of rape culture happening in society today. The artefact reinforces the fact that sexual violence is not just a social problem, but also a public health problem affecting a wide range of the population. Noting that anyone can be a victim regardless of age, gender, race and socioeconomic status. Sexual violence and rape culture not only affects the individual but also their families and the community they live in. Rape Culture and sexual violence are a direct attack at the rights of the individual. It is evident that we do have a problem wit h rape culture <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">and it's important that, when these events occur abroad, we do not stray too far from the fact that we too, have serious problems with rape right here at home. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">This assessment has effectively allowed me to be more open-minded on issues such as sexual violence and rape culture. It has allowed me to see that these issues are current and happening right now. It has shown me that more has to be done, that promotion of education and awareness is key to change, and that change has to happen now before the situation is too far gone.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 17.3333px;">Reflections:

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">References:

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Bhugra, D., & Kalra, G. (2013). Sexual violence against women: Understanding cross-cultural intersections. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(3), 244-249. Retrieved from <span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Brigham, J. (2011). Rape Culture, Due Process and Sexuality. Retrieved from <span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">[|http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=john_brigham&seiredir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2] <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"> [|Fscholar.google.com.au%2Fscholar%3Fstart%3D10%26q%3Drape%2B%2] [|Bsociety%2Baustralia%26hl%3Den%26as_sdt%3D0%2C5%26as_ylo%3D] <span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">[|2000%26as_vis%3D1%20%20search=%22rape%20society%20australa%22]

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Deming, M. E., Covan, E. K., Swan, S. C., & Billings, D. L. (2013). Exploring rape myths, gendered norms, group processing, and the social context of rape among college women: A qualitative analysis. //Violence Against Women, 19//(4), 465-485. doi:10.1177/1077801213487044

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Henry, O. (2012). "Relationships and sex education in regional Tasmania". The Australian nursing journal, 19 (6), p.35.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Jones, T. M., & Hillier, L. (2012). Sexuality education school policy for Australian GLBTIQ students. Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning, 12(4), 437-454.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Martin, K., Lynne, V. M., Britto. (2006). Gender Equality and Women's Absolute Status: A Test of the Feminist Models of Rape. Violence Against Women, 12(4), 321-339. doi:10.1177/1077801206286311

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">McMahon, S. (2007). Understanding community-specific rape myths: Exploring student athlete culture. //Affilia, 22//(4), 357-370. doi:10.1177/0886109907306331

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Panichas, G. E. (2001). Rape, autonomy, and consent. //Law & Society Review35//(1), 231-269. Retrieved from <span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">[]

<span style="color: #242424; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Rozee P.D. (1993). Forbidden or forgiven? Rape in cross-cultural perspective. Psychology Women Q. 1993; 17:499–514.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Sable, M. R., Danis, F., Mauzy, D. L., & Gallagher, S. K. (2006). Barriers to reporting sexual assault for women and men: Perspectives of college students. Journal of American College Health, 55(3), 157–162.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Talbot, K. K., Neill, K. S., & Rankin, L. L. (2010). Rape‐accepting attitudes of university undergraduate students. //Journal of Forensic Nursing, 6//(4), 170-179.