Myths Concerning Rape in the United States and Prevention

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Rape is defined as unwanted or non consensual anal, oral or vaginal penetration by force or threat of bodily harm, or when a person is incapable of giving consent. Men and women, young children, infants and the elderly are victims. There are several kinds of rapists. Most have no remorse and are unable to know and display empathy. In a poll, most men said they would rape if they were sure they would not be caught. Women rape victims also as with objects. Gang rapes will not be discussed in this article. In ancient times, women were not considered equals with equal responsibilities. They were considered property of their father or husband. When a virgin was raped, the man was put to death for she was considered used goods. If a married woman was raped, most of the time both were put to death. If the rape occurred outside the city and she could not cry out for help, only the rapists was killed as the crime was against her husband. usually there are no witnesses to this crime. Statistics show most women who are raped are between the ages of 16 and 24. In some cultures, if a woman looks into a man’s eyes, he believes she wants to be with him sexually and this is not true. Statistics show what a  women wears does not play a large part in rapes, for it is a crime of control,a show of power and dominance, including violence at times. Rape can spread diseases. Victims tend to blame themselves and the jury in courts tend to blame the victim, which may cause years of emotional problems.

Rapist have general characteristics. Usually, they are men between the ages of 16 and 24. They are raised in a society where males dominate and are taught to be violent. Subjugation of women is where women are seen as property, no different than cattle, are inferior to males, sex objects, and are generally less than males, which is not true. Women raised to be weaklings, helpless or submissive supports the rape myths.

Women and men need to be respected for who and what they are. Without them, there would be no humans. As humans, all are a part of the earth.

Myths are untrue, commonly held beliefs. Many men think if a woman allows improper touching, she wants to have sex with them, especially if touched above the waist. Another myth is that one wants to be raped. This is not normal sexual relations. Yes, many adults have fantasies, but a fantasy is not a reality. They are the things normal humans would never do. When the two are confused, there is a problem.

Another lie or myth is that a person cannot be raped unless they are willing to be raped. Look at the definition of rape again. Many unwanted and infrequently wanted children are born from this crime. Some men and women act seductively out of ignorance or a bad example but no really does mean no. Do not say no to sex and then allow it for it is not true and it causes the other person to believe your lie.

Rapist choose someone who is weaker than they perceive them to be. For a woman to be aggressive in speech when a rapist makes conversation in a nice way sometimes will prevent an attack.

Stay out of dark places and do not go to a man’s dwelling alone. If you choose to go on a date, do not give out your address and meet him somewhere in a public place.

Take a self defense course. many times weapons are used and these classes teach you even how to take a weapon from another person.

Use a guard dog and good lighting along with good locks on windows and doors.

Learn to control fear for fear can make you not be able to think clearly. Do not advertise the fact you live alone.

If you are raped, do not take a bath or change clothing. Go to your nearest emergency room and have the offender charged. Otherwise, the rapist will do it again, and it may be to one of your family members