When we talk about sexual violence, we’re referring to any unwelcome sexual contact in any form. This encompasses both assault and harassment of a sexual nature. The term “sexual assault” refers to any unwelcome sexual action, including but not limited to touching, kissing, or raping another person. Sexual harassment can take the form of inappropriate sexual behavior, statements, or even physical contact. It is possible for it to appear as humor, threats, or discriminating remarks about the sexual orientation or gender of another person. It could take place in real life or on the internet. The unfairness and injustice that exist between genders are the core causes of sexual violence, which is an example of gender-based violence. It is possible for it to occur between individuals who are involved in romantic relationships. It is possible for it to take place within families, at places of employment, among friends and acquaintances, and even between strangers. It most frequently takes place in intimate settings amongst individuals already familiar with one another.
I could begin by pointing out that racism and sexism play a huge role in promoting sexual violence against women. Moreover, it could be concluded that indigenous women, women of color, and Asian women were mostly involved in sexual violence in the past decades in Canada and could be considered discrimination. I am of this opinion because the mainstream media continues to reinforce negative racial stereotypes, notably those that pertain to people of color who are female. The sexual exploitation of women of color is made more acceptable when stereotypes of these groups’ members, such as the promiscuity of black and Latina women and the submission of American Indian and Asian women, are perpetuated. The portrayal of men of color as sexually ravenous and devouring innocent white women fosters a societal fixation with black-on-white stranger rape at the cost of the much more prevalent occurrence of intra-racial acquaintance rape. It also appears that many women of color are at an increased risk of being raped. The lifetime risk of rape for American Indian and Alaska Native women is 34% compared to 18% of white women and 7% of Asian women, and the illegal immigrant women who have been raped are frequently unable to seek help from the police because they are afraid of being deported.
Most victims are afraid of reporting the abuse as they trust or hope that it will stop, and the “make-up” phase following the violence guarantees them or enhances their emotional link with the other person. Moreover, it might be because the victim is dependent on their partner for assistance in the form of paying the bills or taking care of them. There could also be a concern that their partner would become much more abusive if they tried to quit the relationship. They could also be concerned for their children’s safety as well as the protection of their relatives and friends; they are terrified that the authorities will take their kids away and raise them. Another concern might be losing their home. They might be concerned for the well-being of their domesticated or farm pets. Some fear that when reporting, nobody will be convinced that the assault took place. Some victims are cut off from their loved ones, and it is possible that the abuse was done in order to guarantee that they would remain isolated. Some victims do not believe that they have the necessary support around them, while some have a fear of having their immigration status revoked or of being deported from the country. Moreover, some are unaware of their rights and the assistance that is readily available to them. Other victims fear apprehension regarding the legal system, while some are under the impression that their relatives or friends are pressuring them to remain; they see their community to be placing blame or pressure on them. Another reason could be they reside in a remote place where there are few options for services and supports to choose from, or they are residents of a small town, which means that everyone in the community is aware of one another’s activities. Finally, others don’t report in attempts to maintain their dignity in order to avoid bringing disgrace upon their families.
Despite our wishes, abortion in rape-related pregnancies is not compassion. We must acknowledge the voices of children conceived via sexual abuse. Compassion is supporting the lady and her child through a catastrophe. It is important to note that tragedies can be managed. As many women have experienced, good can arise from evil. Rape victims have a 50% abortion rate, similar to all women who report an “unintended pregnancy” (40%). Most non-abortionists raised their children, although a few adopted them. Most women regret having abortions and feel they cause them more trouble. Those who gave birth to rape-conceived children were more satisfied and had no regrets. Thus, abortion is optional. Family, friends, and counselors can help in the recovery process and moving on for the person. Rape is a violent crime, a very personal and undesired assault on an individual. Power, not lust, motivates the attacker. Husbands, lovers, family, and acquaintances can victimize. Also, it’s worth keeping in mind that only 8–20% of rapes involve strangers.
This study, which is based on qualitative research conducted with learners and expert informants, investigates the views of Indigenous people, racialized women, persons who struggle with mental health issues, and LGBTQ2+ people who are enrolled in higher education. The reading draws attention to the fact that racist preconceptions regarding sexualization, state and police brutality, heteropatriarchy, and aid programs that aren’t culturally competent all have an effect on the educational experience that students and staff have. Overall, it asserts that the quest to name sexual assault occurs within the framework of systemic violence, which is formed at the confluence of colonial, racial, neoliberal, ableist, and gendered power. It investigates the ways in which activists could maneuver around the nexus of individual and structural violence. Attempts to address gender and sexual violence need to involve reconsidering what is needed for accommodations in a manner that does not further denigrate students who struggle with the aftereffects of traumatic experiences. Other questions that need to be considered include developing the university, ensuring equal opportunity across the population concerning job opportunities, from front-line providers of services to faculty, and tackling problems related to justice and equality for gender and sexual minority learners. The analysis shows the complex stakes in discussions on sexual and gender violence and welcomes everybody to examine how decolonizing and intersectional alliances must be vital procedures in future activism, learning, and reform of policies that promote sexual and gender justice (Francis, 13).
The reading ‘Strategic inefficiency’ outlines how sluggish uptake is valuable and deliberate. Informality can create a tone, prevent an informal complaint from developing into a formal one, and turn a complaint into a more manageable conversation. This attempt to transform a grievance into a “cozy chat” is not purposeful inefficiency. Strategic inefficiency can show us that not keeping a record is a means to achieve anything. Complaints follow failure. Strategic inefficiency includes record loss and non-production. Strategic inefficiency, whether deliberate or not, benefits an organization because it is a way to get to an aim. The “who” that benefits an organization may be the same “who” that determines what benefits it. Inefficiently supporting a hierarchy is good. Inefficiency and who’s who come to mind. Inefficiency may be utilized to safeguard certain individuals from accomplishing the less valued jobs, such as administration, which doesn’t mean it’s worthless. Inefficiency’s distinct effect supports a hierarchy. Inefficiency may be frustrating, but it affects everybody and everything. Inefficiency may be discriminating against complainers. Institutional failure to assist people who support complainants is passed on. You are not supported to advance or to complain regarding not being supported. The reading examines and clarifies the relationship between the prejudiced consequences of inefficiency and the efficiency with which organizations reproduce themselves by advocating for specific categories of people: those who have documents that are in the correct place, those who are upright, capable, well-resourced, and well-connected. Paradox ensues. Paradoxes teach.
To sum up, sexual violence is a major public health issue that has an enormous impact on an individual’s health, opportunities, and well-being throughout their life. Every community is impacted by sexual violence, as are individuals of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and sexual orientations. Anybody may suffer or commit sexual violence. The person who commits an act of sexual violence against a victim is typically someone the victim knows, which might be a buddy, current or past romantic partner, colleague, or someone from the victim’s own family. The act of publishing or distributing sexual photos of another person without their knowledge, also known as non-consensual sexting, is an example of a form of sexual assault that can take place in person, on the internet, or via the use of technology. Some of the ways sexual violence can be prevented are by creating awareness by educating the public, including adolescents, on how to lead healthy relationships and socio-emotional learning and encouraging the development of social norms that serve as a barrier to violent behavior. These are all things that can help prevent sexual violence. It is also significant to make it possible for girls and women to participate in activities that will empower them and support them. Also, develop safer environments by strengthening safety measures and increasing supervision in schools as well as developing workplace policies and applying them consistently in the workplace. Finally, it is vital to also provide assistance to victims and survivors in order to reduce harm.
Bibliography
Francis, Margot, et al. “Reimagining Gender and Sexual Violence Education from the Margins to the Centre.” Feral Feminisms: Critical Interventions in Rape Culture 8 (2019): 13-29.
https:/canadianwomen.org/the-facts/sexual-assault-harassment
https:/endsexualviolence.org/where_we_stand/racism-and-rape
https:/feministkilljoys.com/2018/12/20/strategic-inefficiency
https:/kpu.pressbooks.pub/nevr/chapter/why-do-survivors-not-report-to-police
https:/www.usccb.org/committees/pro-life-activities/life-matters-pregnancy-rape
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