Rape culture refers to the societal norms and attitudes that perpetuate and normalise sexual violence, particularly against women and marginalised gender identities.
Defining rape culture
Rape culture refers to the societal norms and attitudes that perpetuate and normalise sexual violence, particularly against women and marginalised gender identities. It is a cultural environment where sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of gender-based violence are not only tolerated but also excused, minimised, or even justified by the dominant culture.
Rape culture is sustained by various factors, including media, popular culture, and language, which can normalise sexual violence and blame the victim for their own assault. It is also perpetuated by social institutions, such as the criminal justice system, education, and religious organisations, which often fail to hold perpetrators accountable and provide adequate support to survivors.
Examples of rape culture include victim blaming, the objectification of women’s bodies, the normalisation of sexual violence in music, movies, and video games, and the trivialisation of sexual harassment and assault in everyday conversations.
The prevalence of rape culture
The prevalence of rape culture in Australia and worldwide is difficult to measure precisely, as it is a cultural phenomenon that can manifest in various ways and is often normalised and unrecognised. However, there is evidence to suggest that rape culture is a pervasive issue in many societies.
In Australia, a 2018 survey by the Australian Human Rights Commission found that 85% of women had experienced sexual harassment at some point in their lives, and 1 in 5 women had experienced sexual assault. These statistics suggest that rape culture is a significant problem in Australia.
Similarly, in many other countries, sexual violence and harassment are prevalent issues that are often normalised or excused. For example, in the United States, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience sexual violence at some point in their lives, and sexual harassment in the workplace is common.
The prevalence of rape culture can vary depending on factors such as gender, race, sexual orientation, and other social identities. Marginalised groups, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of colour, and those with disabilities, are often at a higher risk of experiencing sexual violence and harassment and may face additional barriers to seeking justice and support.
While there have been efforts to address and combat rape culture in various countries, there is still much work to be done to create safer and more equitable societies for all individuals.
Example of rape culture in society
There are many examples of rape culture in society, and unfortunately, these behaviours and attitudes are so common that we see them on a daily basis in one form or another. These are just a few examples of rape culture, and they can occur in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, and communities. It is essential to recognise and challenge these harmful attitudes and behaviours to create a safer and more equitable society.
- Victim-blaming: This is a common example of rape culture, where the victim of sexual assault or harassment is blamed for the incident. For example, if someone says that a victim was “asking for it” because of their clothing or behaviour, they are engaging in victim-blaming.
- The normalisation of sexual violence: Rape culture often perpetuates the normalisation of sexual violence through media, language, and humour. For example, jokes about sexual assault or harassment can contribute to the normalisation of these acts.
- Objectification of women: Rape culture often involves the objectification of women’s bodies and the use of women’s bodies for men’s pleasure. This can be seen in advertising, media, and pornography.
- Rape myths: Rape culture can perpetuate myths and stereotypes about rape, such as the idea that “real” rape only occurs when a stranger attacks a woman in a dark alley. This can lead to victims not being taken seriously and perpetrators not being held accountable.
- Lack of accountability for perpetrators: In many instances, perpetrators of sexual violence and harassment are not held accountable for their actions. This can occur in legal settings, where victims are often disbelieved, and perpetrators face little to no consequences.
- Sexualisation of children: Rape culture can involve the sexualisation of children, which can contribute to the normalisation of child sexual abuse.
The harmful effects of rape culture on victims
Rape culture can have a wide range of harmful effects on victims, both in terms of their physical and mental health, as well as their social and economic well-being. Here are some of the ways that rape culture can impact people:
- Fear and anxiety: Victims may feel fearful or anxious about their safety, especially in public spaces or when alone at night. This can lead to a curtailment of their activities and social interactions.
- Self-blame: Rape culture often perpetuates the idea that women are responsible for preventing sexual assault, which can lead to feelings of guilt and self-blame if an assault occurs. It also takes accountability away from the perpetrator.
- Trauma: Experiencing sexual violence or harassment can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s mental and emotional health, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
- Shame and stigma: Women who have experienced sexual violence or harassment may feel shame and stigma associated with the experience, which can lead to social isolation and a reluctance to seek support.
- Career and economic impacts: Women may experience career and economic impacts, such as job loss, difficulty finding employment, or financial instability, as a result of sexual violence or harassment.
- Health impacts: Sexual violence can also have physical health impacts, such as sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and physical injuries.
A collective approach to change
Changing rape culture requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and institutions, where everyone needs to participate to challenge and change societal norms. These are just some of the ways that we can work towards changing rape culture.
- Education: Educating individuals on the nature and impacts of rape culture is crucial. This can include teaching about consent, healthy relationships, and challenging gender stereotypes.
- Challenging victim-blaming: When we hear victim-blaming language, we should call it out and challenge it. We can also support and believe survivors when they come forward.
- Supporting survivors: Providing resources and support to survivors of sexual violence and harassment is essential. This includes access to medical care, counselling, and legal support.
- Holding perpetrators accountable: It is crucial to hold perpetrators of sexual violence and harassment accountable for their actions. This can occur through legal means, but it can also involve community accountability processes.
- Changing media and cultural norms: Media and cultural norms can perpetuate rape culture, so changing these norms is necessary. This can involve advocating for more positive and respectful portrayals of women and marginalised groups in media and promoting positive cultural practices that respect bodily autonomy.
- Intersectional approach: An intersectional approach is necessary to address the unique experiences and challenges that different communities face when it comes to rape culture. This means taking into account how other forms of oppression, such as racism, homophobia, and ableism, intersect with gender-based violence.
A word from MHR
Addressing rape culture involves challenging and changing the societal norms and attitudes that enable and perpetuate sexual violence. Ultimately, changing rape culture requires a sustained and collaborative effort to create a safer and more equitable society for all.
