Tolerance Of Behaviours At The Bottom Supports Those Higher Up

  

Rape Myths and Rape Culture 

A myth is a widely held bar false belief or idea, or a misrepresentation of the truth. ‘Rape myths’ are often used by perpetrators to excuse their behaviour and create a greater hostility towards the victim, isolating them further. They can also form an unfair bias in society and influence the criminal prosecution process and therefore it is important to set the records straight. Here is a series of common rape myths and widely-held cultural beliefs, along with the factual truth which reinforces that is is NEVER the fault of the victim.

*Trigger Warning* The following statements could be upsetting to some and we encourage you to read with caution and to seek support if you need. Support can be found via these websites: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/ https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/rape-and-sexual-assault/ https://www.rasamerseyside.org 

Myth: “If someone gets really drunk, it’s their own fault if they end up getting raped. They should have kept themselves safe”

Fact: People have the right to drink alcohol without getting raped. Having sex with someone who is very drunk, drugged or unconscious is rape – and it is always the rapist’s fault.

Myth: "Women are most likely to be raped after dark by a stranger, so women shouldn't go out alone at night”

Fact: Only around 10% of rapes are committed by 'strangers'. Risk of rape shouldn't be used as an excuse to control women's movements and restrict their rights and freedom.

Myth: “Once a man is sexually aroused he can't help himself; he has to have sex”

Fact: Men can control their urges to have sex just as women can. No-one needs to rape someone for sexual satisfaction. Rape is an act of violence and control. It can't be explained away and there are no excuses.

Myth: “If you are in a relationship with someone, it’s always OK to have sex with them”

Fact: Everyone has the right to say 'no' to any type of sexual activity at any time – including with their partner. Consent must be given and received freely every time. Rape in a relationship is illegal.

Myth: “Rape most commonly occurs between strangers in dark alleys”

Fact: Only one in 10 of rapes are committed by 'strangers'. The rest are committed by someone the survivor knows – such as a friend, neighbour, colleague, partner, or family member. People are raped in their homes, their workplaces and other settings where they previously felt safe. The risk of rape by a stranger shouldn’t be used as an excuse to restrict what women can do.

With thanks to: Rape Crisis UK, Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services, The CPS.  

The langue used to describe victims and perpetrators and the circumstances around rape are so important and need to be accurate because it has the power to create stereotypes and bias within wider society, which can appear to invalidate a victim’s trauma. 

The diagram below is a useful tool to demonstrate how everyday interactions can contribute widely to the normalisation of 'rape culture. The normalisation of seemingly low-intensity actions such as joking about rape or ‘locker room banter’ decreases the severity of the crime and invariably leads to degradation (victims may be doubted, questioned or even blamed) and further assault.   

“Tolerance of the behaviours at the bottom supports or excuses those higher up”.

           

This resource was created by 11th Principle: Consent! Group, which originated in North Carolina and aims to create a conversation around consent and sexual assault and they provide educational resources in order to do so.

Vision Statement from 11th Principle

To read more about their work visit their website: https://www.11thprincipleconsent.org/vision-history/ 

Keep educating yourselves and others and keep an eye out for our next blog post! 

The Birds x