Date Rape

Yes Yes and Yes, "Date Rape" 

The first question that might strike in your mind after reading this term could be "Doesn't talking about rape includes every types of it's? And if it does why we need to talk about only one specific type i.e. "date rape"?".

So my answer to that is, sometime we need to look beneath in order to understand what's causing the issue. According to Census 2021, 51.04% of Nepal’s population are Female. There are 1,482,042 girls in the age group between 20-24, 1,337,107 girls in the age group between 25-29, and if we also include the girls from age group between 15-19, there are 1,471,881 girls. Adding the all the numbers of girls from age group 15-29, there are total 4,291,030 girls who could be the possible victim of Date Rape culture.  

What is RAPE and RAPE CULTURE? 

 
According to the Britannica, "Rape, unlawful sexual activity, most often involving sexual intercourse, against the will of the victim through force or the threat of force or with an individual who is incapable of giving legal consent because of minor status, mental illness, mental deficiency, intoxication, unconsciousness, or deception".

While according to the Inside Southern "Rape Culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture. Rape culture is perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence, thereby creating a society that disregards women’s rights and safety."
 

Simply, Rape/Sexual Assault is touching in a sexual way or involving in sexual intercourse with a person against their will. It is a heinous crime that victimizes individuals, regardless of their gender, age, or background. Both men and women can be victims of rape, and it is important to recognize that sexual violence affects people across various demographics.

Who is the victim of rape or rape culture??

The victims of rape and those affected by rape culture can be individuals of any gender, age, or background. Rape is a crime that can impact both men and women, and it is essential to recognize and address the diverse experiences of survivors. Rape culture, on the other hand, affects society as a whole, contributing to an environment where sexual violence is normalized or trivialized.

While anyone can be a victim of rape, statistics often show that women are disproportionately affected.

 Example of Rape Culture.

• Blaming the victim (“She asked for it!”)
• Trivializing sexual assault (“Boys will be boys!”)
• Sexually explicit jokes
• Tolerance of sexual harassment
• Inflating false rape report statistics
• Publicly scrutinizing a victim’s dress, mental state, motives, and history
• Gratuitous gendered violence in movies and television
• Defining “manhood” as dominant and sexually aggressive

"Psychology behind the rapist" or "Why rape is committed?" or "Cause behind the dramatic rise of rape culture".

Murderers often blame themselves and not their victims, while rape convicts blamed the victims. This difference in mentality could be due to the murderer finding himself more accountable after the death of the victim. However, rapists don't feel sorry for the victims, and most of the time they blame their victim.

The motivations of rapists can be divided into two types: biological and evolutionary reasons, which suggest that men rape women for biological and evolutionary reasons, and societal, cultural, or man-made reasons. If we consider rapists to be monsters or animals, we can argue that they are not genuinely responsible for the crime they commit. Understanding the motivations of rapists is crucial for addressing the issue of rape and ensuring justice for victims. 

While it is crucial to emphasize the absolute responsibility of the perpetrator for their actions, understanding the underlying influences can help inform prevention efforts. Rape is often more about power and control than sexual desire, with perpetrators seeking to assert dominance to compensate for feelings of inadequacy. Cultural attitudes towards gender, power, and sexuality can shape individuals' beliefs, with societies perpetuating gender inequalities potentially contributing to a higher prevalence of sexual violence. Psychological disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder or a history of childhood trauma, may play a role, as can substance abuse, which can impair judgment and lead to risky behaviors. Social learning, where aggressive behaviors are observed and imitated, and a lack of empathy or emotional regulation can also contribute to the likelihood of engaging in sexual violence.

What is Date Rape ? 

According to Wikipedia, "Date rape is a form of acquaintance rape and dating violence. The two phrases are often used interchangeably, but date rape specifically refers to a rape in which there has been some sort of romantic or potentially sexual relationship between the two parties". 

There may be situations where the victim is unable to give consent due to physical or mental infirmity, rape does not always involve force or violence.

It is particularly prevalent on college campuses, and frequently involves consumption of alcohol or other date rape drugs. The peak age for date rape victims is from the late teens to early twenties.

Majority of people are still unaware about this term. The society have brainwashed us since beginning about that male doesn't need consent to touch or have sex with their partner either with their spouse or with girlfriend which have became a major reason behind the "Date Rape". The dynamics of date rape can involve blurred lines of consent, power imbalances, and a breach of trust within what may seem like a familiar or safe environment.

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of date rape:

• Consent Issues: Clear communication about boundaries and obtaining explicit consent is crucial in any sexual encounter. Misunderstandings, pressure, or the assumption of consent can lead to non-consensual acts.
• Alcohol and Drugs: The use of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and inhibit one's ability to give informed and voluntary consent. Perpetrators may take advantage of the impaired state of the victim.
• Power Imbalances: Power dynamics, such as differences in social status, age, or physical strength, can contribute to an environment where the victim may feel pressured or unable to resist the perpetrator.
• Social Stigmas and Victim Blaming: Societal attitudes that perpetuate myths about rape or blame victims for the assault can discourage individuals from reporting date rape and seeking help.
• Lack of Awareness: Lack of awareness about what constitutes consent, reluctance to intervene in potentially harmful situations, and insufficient education about healthy relationships can contribute to the occurrence of date rape.

In conclusion, 

 Is the our dressing styles is behind the rise of rape cases, or your illiteracy?? 

 People opinion on this topic varies acc. to them. In my opinion, "No means No" everywhere. Your  reluctant decision to sexually touch me, isn't my fault. Or we can say,   

No means No: Your Reluctance, Not My Fault.

This underscores the importance of respecting personal boundaries, emphasizing that any reluctance or hesitation in consenting to sexual touch is not the responsibility or fault of the person setting those boundaries. Creating a culture that prioritizes open communication, mutual respect, and the autonomy of each individual is crucial in preventing sexual assault and promoting positive, consensual interactions. It is imperative to continue advocating for awareness, education, and support systems that empower individuals to assert their boundaries and contribute to a society that rejects any form of non-consensual behavior.

Loud and Clear : My boots extending up to my thigh and my skirt falling below my knees weren't asking for your penis inside my vagina, your hands on my waist or your eyes on my breast.