Assignment One
The movie is relevant to today’s society because it addresses the issue of sexual assault. The movie is set in the 1980s, but the issue of sexual assault is still prevalent today. It follows the story of Sarah Tobias, whom two men in a bar sexually assaulted her. Sarah is then put on trial, accused of “provoking” her attackers (Ades & Moore, 2020). The movie highlights the issue of victim blaming, which is still a problem today. Victims of sexual assault are often blamed for their attacks, which needs to stop. The Accused is an important movie because it shows that sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender.
It is appalling that victim-blaming is still a thing in today’s society. However, it is also something that people need to talk about. The thing with victim-blaming is that it targets the victim instead of the perpetrator. It shifts the focus from what the attacker did to what the victim did wrong, which is unfair. It is important to remember that victims are not always blameless but are never entirely to blame (Jones et al., 2019). The story is based on a real-life case that became a rallying cry for change in how the criminal justice system treats sexual assault victims. The prosecutor in the case is determined to make an example of them, but the defense attorney does everything he can to discredit Sarah and make it look like she was asking for it. The case becomes widely seen as a template for blaming the victim in rape cases.
Parenting at early stages of development will help mold children on the value of consent, equality for women, and respect for both genders. A key component of avoiding sexual assault and rape is understanding the significance of sexual consent in partnerships and discovering how to confirm agreement before having sex (Ades, 2020). People must create safe spaces for victims to come forward, share their experiences without being blamed or shamed, and support victims through the healing process. Many believe in the fallacies of Violence Against Women, resulting in victim blaming. These include deceptive notions like if a woman does not fight back, it is not rape.
Moreover, the judge’s ruling over Violence Against Women (VAW) cases with victim-blaming attitudes is one of the most detrimental consequences of victim blaming. Such beliefs regularly lead to abusers and rapists being given low sentences or walking free. Such decisions legitimize victim blaming and re-traumatize victims. How the media covers VAW significantly supports and maintains the victim-blaming mentality (Ades & Moore, 2020). The media frequently sensationalizes domestic violence against women and diverts attention from the perpetrator, according to international reporting on violence against women.
Additionally, women must acknowledge themselves from a young age and consider how others perceive them. In addition, women should be concerned about their mode of dressing. They should not wear something that exposes them or even late walks since such may attract trouble. Finally, collaboration from both genders should address why perpetrators commit these crimes.
Assignment Two
It can be difficult to know where to start when seeking healing after sexual violence. Many survivors turn to counsel and healing services to begin the healing process. Counseling can provide survivors with a safe space to share their experiences and feelings and help them develop coping mechanisms and strategies for healing (Issitt, 2018). There are many different types of counseling and healing services available, so it is important to find one that best meets a person’s needs. Some services focus on providing support and resources for survivors, while others specialize in helping people overcome trauma. Finding a service that feels safe, supportive, and always available is important.
It is important to understand that sexual violence is not just an individual experience but a collective one. There are systems and structures in place that perpetuate violence. In order to heal, people must address these systems. One way to do this is through restorative justice, which is an approach that focuses on repairing harm and building relationships. It is based on accountability, reparation, and reintegration (Issitt, 2018). Another way to heal collectively is through survivor-led movements. These are spaces where survivors can unite to support each other and work toward social change. Both of these approaches are important in the healing process. They provide opportunities for survivors to be seen and heard and to build community.
One way to heal after experiencing sexual violence is to reflect on the experience and how it has impacted someone’s life. It can be done through writing, journaling, or even making art. Finding time and space to process what happened is an important first step in healing. Making art can be therapeutic and help people express themselves safely and creatively. Reflecting on the experiences and creatively processing them can help gain a sense of empowerment.
It is important to understand that each individual’s healing process is unique. Just as no two people are affected similarly by sexual violence, there is no single path to healing. It is a process that takes time and often requires a great deal of self-care and support. There are, however, some general strategies that can be helpful for many people (Jones et al., 2019). Some people find it helpful to seek community or professional support, while others may find comfort in writing or talking about their experiences. Some may find solace in exercise or meditation, whereas others may prefer more traditional forms of healing, like therapy or medication.
Healing is a deeply personal experience, and what works for one person might not work for another. As a result, some common themes often arise in the healing process. After experiencing something as traumatizing and out of control as sexual violence, finding ways to regain control over life can be helpful. It might manifest as taking up a new hobby or sport, learning self-defense, or getting involved in activism or advocacy work. Another common theme is the need for community and unity (Ades, 2020). After something so isolating and shattering, connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can be incredibly healing. It could involve joining a support group, therapy group, or online community. Finally, many survivors find it helpful to give back in some way. It could encompass volunteering with organizations that support survivors of sexual violence and sharing the story publicly to help destigmatize the experience.
References
Ades, & Moore. (2020). Sexual and gender-based violence. Springer International Publishing.
Ades, V. (2020). Sexual and gender-based violence: A complete clinical guide. Springer.
Issitt, M. L. (2018). Gender: Roles & rights. Grey House Publishing.
Jones, D., Cell, P. M., Jones, D., Bronson, J., O’Dwyer, A., Weekes, A., Rizzo, M., Wynn, M., & Stevens, S. (2019). Sexual and gender-based violence. International Association of Chiefs of Police.