Centuries of historical and scientific research have perpetuated the harmful myth that women cannot be sexually assaulted against their will. In the Victorian era, it was believed that women could prevent rape simply by using their pelvic and thigh muscles or vibrating their vaginas. If these methods failed, it was often blamed on the woman herself, suggesting that she may have been willing or even eager to be violated. This damaging belief system was supported by lawyers, doctors, academics, scientists, and religious leaders, contributing to a culture that blamed victims for their own assaults.
As late as the 1970s, law enforcement officials were asking rape victims if they had orgasmed during the assault, further perpetuating the idea that women were somehow responsible for their own victimization. Additionally, victim-blaming attitudes were prevalent when it came to alcohol consumption, with women being held more accountable for being raped if they had been drinking, while men were seen as less responsible for their actions. These harmful beliefs continued to persist in society despite efforts to challenge them.
In a recent defamation trial, Justice Michael Lee found that a woman named Ms. Higgins had been raped by Mr. Lehrmann, yet despite this legal conclusion, harmful myths about sexual assault still abounded on social media and far-right websites. One particularly egregious example came from The Spectator Australia, in which the writer suggested that because Higgins had been drinking and kissed Lehrmann, she must not have been averse to having sex with him, and therefore the act of rape was not repugnant to her. This disturbing viewpoint reinforces harmful stereotypes and ignores the reality of sexual violence.
The article in The Spectator Australia also trivialized the traumatic impact of rape on survivors, likening it to “buyer’s remorse” and suggesting that waking up after a night of drinking to find that sex had occurred was not a serious matter. The writer’s comments demonstrate a profound lack of understanding of consent, personal autonomy, and the devastating effects of sexual violence on survivors. It is essential to challenge and combat these harmful attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate rape culture and contribute to victim-blaming.
Women agreeing to drink with men or engaging in consensual activities does not equate to consent for sexual activity. Personal hygiene, virginity, and past behaviors are irrelevant to the issue of consent and do not excuse or justify rape. It is crucial to educate people about the realities of sexual violence, the importance of consent, and the impacts of victim-blaming attitudes. Rape is not sex; it is an act of violence that causes deep harm and trauma to survivors. It is essential to address and dismantle the damaging myths and stereotypes that perpetuate rape culture and create a safer, more respectful society for all.
