Introduction: The Definition of Rape
Rape is one of the most common forms of sexual crime in the society. This sexual crime involves at least two people. Some of the acts that characterize rape include inappropriate touching, attempts to engage in sexual intercourse without mutual consent, and child molestation. In addition, one of the parties involved in rape forces his or her will on an unwilling person (Freedman, 2013).
In the current society, the definition of rape has become broader due to the nature of rising sexual offences. The perpetrator penetrates the victim’s body with a sexual organ or any other object (Freedman, 2013). The sexual act takes place when the victim succumbs to force, coercion, and any form of duress. Perpetrators also use psychological oppression and take advantage of the victims by using drugs for intoxication. Rape takes place when a person is not capable of giving any form of genuine consent due to prevailing circumstances (Eriksson, 2011; Freedman, 2013).
The Dynamics of Rape
Rape is a multifaceted, dynamic phenomenon that has a variety of consequences. For instance, radical social perceptions differ from liberal social perceptions. As such, legal definitions and views on rape dinamics also keep on changing depending on the perception of the existing law enforcing agencies. Mischaracterization and differing perceptions pose major challenges when addressing rape issues. People’s popular opinion on this matter varies depending on their perceptions and choice of action. Having clear frameworks that outline the act of rape is of fundamental importance. This independent and clear outlook safeguards the victims from challenges that come with mischaracterization and wrong interpretation of the law. Rape is a grave crime that has severe consequences on the life of victims. Victims find it difficult to cope with its emotional and psychological scars. This premise is an important impetus when creating modalities to harness right frameworks of addressing this social vice. Some of the dynamic aspects affecting rape issues are socio-cultural factors, personal, and psychosocial factors.
Socio-Cultural Factors
The society is responsible for defining the nature of laws and principles that impose munishment for a definite crime. This serves to ensure that the citizens feel safe and are far from harmful acts that endanger their lives. A society that does not have clearly defined principles exposes its citizens to risky behaviors that promote harmful acts such as rape.
Cultural background of rape victims is a major determinant when addressing this vice. For example, a society that views women and children as secondary human beings or subjected to men is less likely to address rape as a major crime when compared to a society that advocates for equality between men and women.
Personal and Psychosocial Factors
A person is a recognizable individual entity existing within a social framework. As such, a person enjoys certain privileges and rights allowed by the state and society. Societies inform a person about his or her rights and define his or her roles within the social framework. Serving this purpose implies that people’s general outlook on issues is influenced by the wider society’s perspective on various subjects.
In this case, a society that holds rape as a subjective issue will not give this case the needed urgency and necessity. As a result, rape victims might end up not reporting such cases due to the fear of stigmatization. In some communities, the victims find it difficult to accept themselves because of the views held by the wider community. Liberal societies that view rape as a crime or assault create a dominant stand against it (Madan & Sinha, 2013). On the contrary, a radical society that considers rape to be only a man’s role creates a very subjective perception (Madan & Sinha, 2013). In radical societies, rape is a social taboo that does not find its way into the public domain. As a result, victims do not report it because of the scars and trauma.
Having a personal understanding on the subject of rape is both enlightening and empowering. Persons who have such information cannot withstand psychosocial constructs that permit this social vice from persisting. This information empowers a person to make individual decisions that are concise and articulate to address this social vice (Odem & Clay-Warner, 1998).
Prevention of Rape
Various forms of rape exist in the modern society. Some of the common forms of rape in the society include date rape, acquaintance rape and violent rape. One of the most popular questions regarding rape is how to prevent it in the society. Prevention starts with understanding of the causes. Essentially, information regarding causative factors is critical in preventing cases of rape. Massive campaigns against rape can be a great starting point.
Secondly, enacting laws that protect rape victims and punish the perpetrators is another practical step. People need to understand the consequences that come with rape as a punishable offence. Instilling moral values in schools and carrying out public awareness campaigns is another step that is instrumental in preventing rape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rape is a harmful social vice that can portray a society negatively. However, the society can deal with this menace through instilling practical moral values that give way to acceptable human standards. Thus, when the society collectively embraces this approach, issues of rape will no longer be a worrying subject.
References
Eriksson, M. (2011). Defining Rape: Emerging Obligations for States Under International Law? Boston: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.
Freedman, E. B. (2013). Redefining Rape. Harvard: Harvard University Press.
Madan, V. K., & Sinha, R. K. (2013). The Dynamics of Rape in Modern Indian Society. International Journal of Juridical Sciences (4), 81-87.
Odem, M. E., & Clay-Warner, J. (1998). Confronting Rape and Sexual Assault. New York: Rowman & Littlefield.