10 Reasons why people don ’ t report their rape/sexual assault to the police
FEAR OF NOT BEING BELIEVED
Fear of not being believed, especially if the rapist is older, more powerful or respected in the community.
FEAR OF HUMILIATION
Fear of humiliation by family, the police, friends, colleagues or others. Society tends to blame victims, especially female victims, or to emasculate male victims of rape.
FEAR OF RETALIATION
Fear of retaliation by their rapist if they find out they’ve been reported, especially if they aren’t arrested and punished.
VICTIM IS UNSURE
The victim is unsure of whether the sexual act actually constituted rape or not.
FEAR OF FAMILY BEING ENDANGERED
Fear of their (the victim’s) family being endangered if the rape is reported.
LACK OF FAITH
Lack of faith in the ability of the justice system to properly punish the perpetrator.
SOCIAL TIES
Sexual assault is often perpetrated by men that the victim knows and loves, and who they don’t want to report, especially if they are dependent on him.
MAN DENYING HE RAPED HIS VICTIM
DAMAGING, INCORRECT AND SEXIST CULTURAL BELIEFS
Man denying he raped his victim, and people believing him and not his victim. Sexual assault is often perpetrated by men that the victim knows and loves, and who they don’t want to report, especially if they are dependent on him.
Damaging, incorrect and sexist cultural beliefs that it’s the victim’s ‘fault’, or that anyone who gets raped ‘deserved it’ or ‘asked for it’ – none of these are true, and no victim ever deserves to be assaulted in any way, regardless of any circumstances or factors.
FEAR OF HARMING REPUTATION
If the perpetrator is someone the victim knows or regularly spends time with, they may not want to report them for fear of ‘hurting’ them or damaging their employment prospects, reputation, etc.
Whether or not you want to report your rape, you’ll always find a caring a supportive ear at Marie Stopes. Find your nearest Marie Stopes Clinic and make an appointment online.
To sign-up to join End GBVF Collective and become eligible to run 100-Day Challenges in your district visit https://bit.ly/endGBVF.
Remember: you never have to report a rape or sexual assault; it’s 100% your decision.
You’ll always be treated with dignity, privacy and without judgement at every Marie Stopes centre.
November 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
24
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