Sexual Violence – A Complex Problem With Many Contributing Factors

Sexual violence is a complex problem with many contributing factors. It is influenced by cultural and social factors, and the impact on the victim can be wide-ranging and long-lasting (some of these include eating disorders, changes in sexuality, substance abuse, self-harm). Survivors experience a range of emotions including shock and disbelief, fear, shame, guilt, humiliation, anger, isolation, grief and loss of control. They often have physical reactions such as skeletal muscle tension, gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract irritation and/or itching, and they may have nightmares. They may also feel unable to trust others and be very worried about telling family and friends.

While perpetrators can be found in every society and come from all backgrounds, research shows that most are male. They are mostly people from the survivor’s close social environment and many have a history of abusive behaviour. Those who use violence to control or exploit others are not always known to the victim and, therefore, it is important that a victim’s support system understands this, so that they can help them.

Individuals who commit sexual violence are not only a threat to the victim they are also a threat to the community and wider society. This can be because they are a danger to their own mental health and can develop serious behavioural problems. They also have the potential to act as ‘gatekeepers’, encouraging other men to commit violence, by reinforcing gendered stereotypes of masculinity and influencing the perception of what constitutes normal sexual behaviour.

Structural causes of sexual violence also exist, such as unequal treatment based on gender and the misrepresentation of women’s role in the home and community. It is also important to recognise that there is no such thing as a biologically determined gender and that everyone has the right to define their own sexuality. It is also necessary to address harmful social attitudes, such as those that support the belief that rape is somehow ‘justified’ because of a perceived incompatibility between sexes, or that rape is a natural result of war or other forms of conflict.

There are a number of things we can all do to prevent sexual violence, starting with teaching young people about consent and boundaries. It is also helpful to challenge the depiction of violence against women in the media, including advertisements, pornography and professional wrestling. Finally, we can donate to and lobby legislators in support of legislation that supports survivors and holds perpetrators accountable. Taking these steps can make an enormous difference to the lives of those affected by sexual violence. Taking the steps to prevent sexual violence is not easy, and it takes time for prevention efforts to have an effect. However, it is worth the effort because of the immense and life-changing impact that sexual violence has on victims and their families, communities and society as a whole. Survivors deserve to be recognised and supported as the important human beings they are. This is why it is so important for all of us to take action now to end sexual violence.