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There are many factors that
contribute to the occurrence of sexual violence in our culture. Understanding
these factors is the first step to prevention. Some factors contributing to
sexual violence are:
- The perpetrator has a sense of power, control, and entitlement. They use
their violent behavior and power to control the victim. For a variety of
reasons, they feel that they are entitled to treat the victim with no regard
or respect.
- Gender-based stereotypes reinforce the inequality between genders. For
example, in a society where men are portrayed as being aggressive and women
are seen as passive, a man who pressures a woman for sex is often perceived
as behaving acceptably.
- It is a common belief that alcohol use “causes” sexual assault.
Alcohol and other drugs do not cause sexual violence to occur, the person
who commits the violent act is responsible. Alcohol and other drugs reduce
inhibitions and cloud judgment. Some studies indicate some perpetrators are
more likely to commit sexual assault when they are under the influence of
alcohol or another substance.
- Many people believe that the victim is to be blamed for sexual violence;
that s/he somehow "asked for it" by the way s/he behaves, dresses or lives.
Such myths and misconceptions add to the prevalence of sexual violence. A
victim is never responsible for sexual assault occurring, the perpetrator
is.
These factors reinforce a belief that some people are not as equal as others.
By focusing on a person's style of dress, choice of lifestyle, physical appearance,
sexual orientation and more, the degradation of people becomes a strong factor
in sexual violence.
It is the responsibility of each member of our community to prevent sexual
violence. By individually and collectively challenging the beliefs, stereotypes
and misconceptions that contribute to sexual violence, we can begin to create
a community based on respect and human dignity.
Back to Sexual Violence, Assault, and Rape page
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