It is unfortunate that a majority of the sexual assault and harassment culprits turn out to be someone known by the victim. It is scary to think that women are not protected by the men they know and trust. According to the stats, one in three women are expected to experience some form of sexual harassment, verbal or physical, at one point in their life.
While there are various causes for this type of crime, one of the significant ones remains harmful cultural norms birthed by society. If you or your loved one was a victim, consult with a team of Atlanta sexual assault lawyers today. Such fights can be difficult, but the end result can be rewarding.
Harmful norms that lead to sexual assault
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Women are expected to be submissive to the male family members.
Growing up in a patriarchal society, it is often found that women being submissive to the male members of the family is rooted in various cultures. Married women are expected always to obey their husbands and fulfill their demands, regardless of how strange or unreasonable they may be. In some regions and families, women are still not allowed to make decisions for the family or even for themselves.
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The victim is the one to blame.
One of the worst parts about rape culture is that, in most cases, the victim is blamed. For example, if a woman gets assaulted on the road, she is asked why she was walking alone instead of walking with a friend. Another popular example is where the victim is blamed for her inappropriate clothing when she is raped or harassed.
In order to eliminate sex crimes, it is important first to recognize the actual perpetrators. Victim-blaming is not going to solve anything.
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Women cannot deny sexual intercourse to their male partners or husbands.
It is an accepted norm in various cultures around the globe that it is inappropriate and rude for women to say no to their husbands when they want to get involved in sexual intercourse. There have been many instances when a woman has said yes when she was not ready for the next step herself. It is unfortunate that women are still considered to be objects for satisfying male urges in many parts of the world.
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Downplaying sexual assault.
Rape culture is downplaying the seriousness of a sex crime, such as an assault or harassment. People are told to “chill” or “forget about it” and that “it is not a big deal.”
If something of a sexual nature has happened to you that you felt was not right, you have every right to report it. Contact an attorney today.
