Understanding RapeR.A.P.E. – Revolution Against Personal EmpowermentRape is a mutiny against personal freedom. Sexual violence is about dominance, silencing, and the destruction of the feminine, both within the rapist and the victim. Rape is a weapon of war, a form of disembodiment of the individuals from their humanity; of the society from its possibility. Violence is a form of disease, an infectious ailment that is transmitted through generations. "I prefer to characterize rape simply as a form of torture. Like the torturer, the rapist is motivated by the urge to dominate, humiliate, and destroy his victim. Like a torturer, he does so by using the most intimate acts available to humans -- sexual ones." Helen Benedict, Virgin or Vamp, 1992
Support UsPost-Rape Care"I survived this torture which left me paralyzed for years. That's what that night was all about, mutilation, more than violence through sex. I really do feel as though I was psychologically mutilated that night and now I'm trying to put the pieces back together again. Through love, not hatred. And through my music. My strength has been to open again, to life, and my victory is the fact that, despite it all, I kept alive my vulnerability." Tori Amos
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Why is rape so important?Sexual assault can impact you in many ways. The emotional trauma can be severe and often times long lasting. There are some common feelings and reactions that most victims experience. How about this patriarchal society?You might wonder where to start in a country that is presumable male dominated. How do you start to empower women? You might not know that there is also another side to the story: South Africa is ranked eighth in the world in the number of women it has in the government. The deputy president is a woman and so are nine out of twenty seven cabinet members. According to a survey, the country has the third-highest proportion of companies in which women are senior managers. The Parliamentary Joint commitee has passed several pieces of legislation on customary or traditional law, domestic violence, and child maintenance. Of course there is still a VERY long way to go. But these are some encouraging facts to build on! |
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