Abstract
Rape cases have been on the rise over the past few years. So far, little has been done to address the issue and it’s high time that the government took up the responsibility of protecting its citizens against sexually related crimes. There are various factors that are believed to be behind the cause of this heinous crime. Researchers have attributed that myths are to blame for this menace. However, some of these myths are not usually true. It is also important for the government to put in place programs that are aimed at teaching people basic self-defence techniques. People should be encouraged to attend self-defence classes offered by the police. The government should also ensure that sexual offenders are given a fair trial and if found guilty should face the full force of law.
Definition of rape
Rape has over the years been described as one of the most heinous crimes in the world. Rape is non-consensual or forced sexual intercourse (Allison 2003). It normally involves vaginal, oral or anal penetration by any body part or any object. Rape victims are usually forced into sexual contact through threats. Perpetrators of this heinous crime can be complete strangers or someone that the victim might have known for some time. Anyone can be raped. It is important that this crime be prevented at any cost. The perpetrators of this heinous crime should also face strict penalties when they are found guilty of committing such a crime (Allison 2003). This should be done to discourage people from engaging in sexually related crimes. The most common forms of rape include stranger rape, date rape and acquaintance rape.
Dynamics of rape
This are the driving forces or the reasons behind why people rape. It is important to understand the reasons behind sexually aggressive behaviour. According to a recent research, sexually aggressive behaviour is a channel through which sexual offenders use to express their feelings (Allison 2003). Over the years, people have been made to believe that the reason behind rape incidents is usually sexual desire. The research shows that most of these sexual offenders use sex as a medium through which they can assert power and dominance over their victims. However, not all perpetrators have the same reasons for committing this heinous crime.
There are also a lot of myths that are associated with rape. Most men believe that when a woman says no to sex she actually means yes. However, this is usually not the case. A man should learn to respect a woman’s wishes at all times. Some people believe that by raping young boys and girls they may set themselves free from diseases like cancer and tuberculosis (Allison 2003). These are pure lies and no one should be a victim of rape due to such believes. Most people also believe that it is impossible to rape sexual workers. Research has shown that both male and female sexual workers have been raped by either their clients or the police. People also believe that a man cannot rape his own wife or that a woman cannot rape her own husband. Any forced sexual penetration can be classified as rape even if it is between married couples. However, some countries exempt marital rape (Wilkins 2011).
Social and cultural factors
It is important to understand the root of the problem so that we can put in place measures that will prevent the prevalence of rape. Women’s provocative behaviour and clothing is believed to be one of the main causes of rape (James 2008). Some women wear clothes that reveal some of their female attributes. This has an effect on men that have high libido. Some cultures believe that one gender is superior to the other. This makes the inferior gender subject to sexual abuse by the superior gender. In most cases it is the male gender that is considered superior (Allison 2003). Traditionally, women were supposed to be submissive to men. Some men believe that a woman should give in to their sexual advances. However, the world has changed and women have equal rights as men.
Personal and psychological factors
People have different reasons as to why they engage in aggressive sexual behaviour. Some of them have scores to settle with their victims. They hence believe that the only way to get back at them is by raping them. Some men have low regard for women. This type of men will rape women for fun and just to please themselves (Wilkins 2011). Some men also believe that if a woman kisses a man then the woman is obligated to engage in sexual intercourse with the man. When the woman turns down the man’s advances, the man will feel cheated and will therefore attempt to rape the woman.
Preventing date, acquaintance and other forms of rape
It is important to take necessary to measures to prevent rape cases. When going to a date, it is important to be accompanied by a friend particularly when meeting a person for the first time (James 2008). It is also important to avoid dark corners and parking lots when walking at night. Research has shown that rapists target these places particularly at night and it is advisable to avoid them.
It is important to take a basic self-defence course. There are various programs that have been put in place by the government and other non-governmental organisations (Allison 2003). These programs are aimed at teaching individuals basic self defence mechanisms that they can employ in rape incidences. It is also always important to carry a mobile phone around. One should immediately call the police in case they are attacked by unknown or known persons. If one is not in a position to call the police, it is advisable to shout for help.
References
Allison, J. A. (2003). Rape, the misunderstood crime. Newbury Park, Calif.: Sage Publications.
James, R. K. (2008). Crisis intervention strategies. S.l.: Cengage Learning.
Wilkins, J. (2011). Date rape. New York, NY: Crabtree Pub. Co.