7 Ways You Can Stand Against Rape Culture

Rape culture is a term used to describe a society that normalizes and perpetuates the idea that sexual violence is inevitable. It creates an environment in which victims of rape are told they should have done more to prevent it. Rape culture is so ingrained in our society, it can feel impossible to stand up against it. But there are many ways you can start today. Here are some simple, yet powerful, ways you can make an impact in your community and help create a culture where rape isn't tolerated.


What is rape culture?
Rape culture is the set of attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that perpetuate rape. It is thought to be a society-wide problem, with one in five women being sexually assaulted during their lifetime.

Because of this, it's important for everyone to take a stand against rape culture.

Rape culture starts at a young age and continues throughout adulthood. There are many ways to combat it, but the first step is figuring out where you can start.


Start by educating yourself and others
The first step to standing up against rape culture is educating yourself and others. If you're not sure what constitutes rape, learn more about the different types of rape. If you don't know what consent is, take some time to read up on it. You need to understand the signs of sexual violence before you can help stop it. You can also educate others by bringing awareness to these issues in your everyday life. The more people who are educated about the realities of sexual violence, the less prevalent it will become.


Educate your children
One of the most powerful ways to create a culture where rape isn't tolerated is to educate your children. Teach them about consent and non-consent, and let them know that no one should ever do anything to someone else without their consent. Additionally, teach your children what to do if they see something happening at school or in the community that could be abuse.


Don't victim blame
Rape culture often includes victim blaming. It creates an environment in which victims of sexual violence are told they should have done more to prevent it. For example, a woman wearing a short skirt is blamed for her attack because she was "asking for it." Similarly, a man who was drinking alcohol at the time of his assault is told he should have been more aware and sober to protect himself. Refuse to blame the victim. When someone shares their experience with you, support them unconditionally and validate their feelings – don't question how they could have acted differently or what could have prevented it from happening.


Practice consent in your relationships
The first step to standing up against rape culture is looking at your own behavior and the behaviors of those around you. It's important to establish consent with your sexual partners, especially if you are in a position of power over them. For example, it would be inappropriate for an employer make sexual advances on an employee. Asking for consent before initiating any sexual contact is a simple act that can help create a culture where rape isn't tolerated.

It's also important to practice affirmative consent in relationships that aren't explicitly sexual. A partner might want to cuddle on the couch but not kiss or vice versa. Negotiating this kind of touch beforehand is a simple way to create boundaries and prevent misunderstandings about expectations later on.


Don't excuse violence against women
The first way to stand against rape culture is to not excuse violence against women. The message that "boys will be boys" or "she was asking for it" needs to stop! Violence against women should never be excused, minimized, or tolerated. It's important for everyone in your community, especially those closest to the victim, to stand up and say: "No more."

Next, commit to educating others

Educating others about rape culture can make an impact. If you know someone who is making excuses for violence against women, talk with them about what they're saying. It may take some time for them to understand why their behavior is damaging and hurtful. But eventually they'll get it. And hopefully once they do, they'll change their views and their behavior as well.

Another way you can help create a culture where rape isn't tolerated is by making sure your kids are educated on consent. Start talking with your children early on about what consent means and when it's violated so they will understand the importance of respecting other people's boundaries or telling them no when something doesn't feel right or safe (regardless of gender). You could also talk with them about how wearing revealing clothes doesn't mean that person wants sex just because they're dressed like a "slut." It's important to teach kids these lessons early on before they start developing attitudes or ideas that might lead them into unhealthy situations later in life without even realizing it.

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Support survivors of sexual assault
Rape culture is a difficult issue to confront head on. It can be hard to talk about, especially if you are close to the person who was assaulted. But in order to stand against rape culture, it's important that we start talking about it and supporting survivors of sexual assault. One way you can support survivors is by going with them to the hospital or police station after they've been assaulted. They might not want to go alone and having someone there with them can make it easier for them. Another way you can help is by learning what resources are available in your community and making sure that people know where and how they can get help if they have been assaulted. You could also use your voice on social media or as a respected member of the community to call out people who are perpetuating rape culture and telling their friends not to do the same thing.