Rape Culture In The United States
Everyone has heard the commercials on T.V. that say, “One in six women have been raped or sexually assaulted in the United States.” But what are people really doing to prevent it from happening? How are the people connected to the victim handling the situation, that’s if their loved ones even trust them enough to be open with them? People need to take a closer look at rape culture and at what everyone as a society is really doing to help reduce this from happening.
Rape Prevention
Social media and research are still blaming victims and making them think that they were raped due to their own neglect. A lot of programs, especially when entering college, will tell women to not stay out past a certain time, never go anywhere alone, and to not wear provocative clothing. Why is the public still blaming the victims for an act that is committed against them? It’s not the victims’ fault for trying to live their life. Women should be able to go out alone or wear what they please and the word “no” should mean “no.” Programs should be teaching young adults that if the other person can’t consent or that they do not give consent then there should be no contact no matter what. These classes on rape prevention that are victim blaming or shaming should automatically be shut down or rejected by campuses or organizations that are using their services.
Secondary Victims
People don’t realize that not only are the victims themselves affected by this tragic act but also their loved ones that they hold close. Their loved ones can even suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and trust issues. While there is help, a lot of times those loved ones are forgotten about. A lot of times there can be controlling problems with a significant other because they are scared for the victim to leave their side, sometimes they feel like it’s their fault for not being able to protect them from such a traumatic event. Also seeing someone they love so much going through something like night terrors and panic attacks can be traumatizing for that other person as well. The best way to treat this is to help preventing rape in the first place.
Conclusion
With the statistics of rape being so high in the United States, everyone should try to do their part on trying to help prevent it. The last things victims want is to feel like is that this tragedy is their fault. Most victims blame themselves or their loved ones for what happens to them. The victim’s loved ones are most likely affected as well. If people don’t take the responsibility upon themselves to stand up in a meeting or seminar to correct those around them, then who’s really to blame? What are you doing to help stop this life-changing experience from happening to those around you?
References
- Allen, S. (2015, Oct 08). Rape prevention is still a woman's job, campuses say: Campus 'rape prevention' tips are directed at women over 80 percent of the time, according to a new comprehensive report. The Daily Beast Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1732544186?accountid=144845
- Christiansen, D., M.Sc, Bak, R., M.Sc, & Elklit, A., M.Sc. (2012). Secondary victims of rape. Violence and Victims, 27(2), 246-62. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/0886-6708.27.2.246
