Definition of rape
There are several definitions of rape that vary in different states. However, in most cases rape is defined as forced sexual contact.Generally, during rape the victim is forced, constrained or is manipulated into sexual abuse by a stranger, a partner or even a friend. It is an action in which violence and authority is integrated into sex. An individual is forced into sexual act through oral extortions, intimidations, physical restriction, or physical aggression. The definition encompasses sexual abuse committed when an individual is not able to consent to sex because she is mentally ill, retarded or intoxicated. Rape is considered a criminal offense (Eriksson, 2011).
The dynamic of rape
Ever since the conception of rape various attempts have been made to prevent it. The latest development is “Anti-rape lingerie”. This is a kind of clothing that shocks an impending offender whenever he or she touches a person wearing it without her consent. It can also send text communications to law enforcement agency and members of the family. It is viewed as an interesting approach towards rape. Conversely, such devices are likely to fail because between 75% and 85% of the rape cases reported in the U.S are acquaintance rapes. In addition, there is extensiveness in hook-up culture where spontaneous sex is a normal habit and the individuals involved generally have no relation beyond the hook-ups.
According to some philosophers, women are responsible in preventing rape. According to them, the society should acknowledge that only a stranger rape needs to be regarded as “actual rape”. The dynamic of rape is that the rapist is an acquaintance to the victim irrespective of their sex. This information should be communicated freely in different institutions of learning, churches, and homes to help people to understand how to deal with it.
Social and cultural factors
Social and cultural factors play a critical role in causing rape. The social factors that contribute to rape include social environment, poverty and pornography. According to researchers, the total objection of women and aggressive pornography result into prevalence of rape cases. With regard to rape, the social environment is more significant than the physical environment. The social environment supports the belief in male dominance, the rights of men to sex, and the submission of women. This creates room for sexual abuse against women. Research also links poverty to rape. Times of forced idleness, lack of jobs, inadequate support from law enforcement agencies and poor judicial systems during encounter can contribute to rape. In addition, general acceptance of sexual abuse in the society also leads to such sexual offenses (Postmus, 2013).
Personal and psychological factors in rape
There are certain personal and psychological factors that have also been linked to rape. Drug abuse and alcohol consumption are believed to contribute to certain kinds of sexual abuse including rape. According to research, men are disposed to imprudent and disorderly behavior when they are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. There are forced sexual imaginations and other perceptions and beliefs that support sexual violence amongst some people.
Oedipus complex in some men has also been identified by analysts as one of the major contributing psychological factors to rape. The perpetrators of rape, in most cases, blame their victims for the act while in reality they are less-informed about the effect of rape on their targets. Male rapists may misjudge signals given out by women in social situations and may not have the reticence that conquers links between sex and violence. Such men may desire sexual imaginations, normally heartened by pornographic access. Men also have a general perception that women are opponents that need to be confronted and subjugated.
Preventing Date, acquaintance and other forms of rape
Acquaintance rape can be described as a type of rape where the victim knows the perpetrator. Due to the personal relationship to the offender, the victim may not categorize the act as rape. Date rape is also similar to acquaintance rape. To prevent acquaintance rape, women should avoid providing private information, especially their location and their daily schedules. Again, clear boundary regarding sex and relationships should be communicated early to an acquaintance. This may eliminate misjudgments by the potential perpetrator. Woman should also avoid persons who generally negate their perceptions and feelings as they are likely to execute rape. The idea of hook-ups that has encroached into the society should be eliminated. Generally, women should date people whose backgrounds they are at least familiar with. Initial dates with an acquaintance should be set in public places to avoid environments that may be conducive to perpetration of rape. In addition, women should be bold to leave in any date or situation that they do not feel comfortable (Odem, 1998). Preventing other forms of rape also calls for caution. Consumption of alcohol or other drugs that may lead to mental impairment should be avoided. Women should avoid places which are conducive for execution of rape. Generally, getting into company of strange men should also be avoided.
References
Eriksson, M. (2011). Defining rape: Emerging obligations for states under international law?. Leiden: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.
Odem, E. (1998). Confronting rape and sexual assault. Wilmington, Del: SR Books.
Postmus, L. (2013). Sexual violence and abuse: An encyclopedia of prevention, impacts, and recovery. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO.