Recently, many countries have been highlighted and criticized in Western news media for violent sexual assaults against women.
Unfortunately, some of these reports have been problematic, as they tend to sensationalize foreign social problems and relate to them without accurate comparisons.
This, in turn, makes Westerners feel safer, deflates social concerns for our own countries’ issues with gender-based violence, and adds to the foundational elements of victim blaming.
So, when I hear people comment about the poor responses of citizens, police, and government in other parts of world (what otherwise would be referred to as less-developed by those considering themselves to be developed), I make it a point to inform them about the disgusting manner in which gender violence and rape are dealt with in this colony of Canada.
Rape culture isn’t a foreign problem; it’s a global problem. This means each one of us has a responsibility to address it.
Sexual assaults don’t decline by teaching self-defence classes, they decline by teaching people about consent, boundaries, and respect.
Rape isn’t funny; it’s tragic and terrifying. Most importantly, rape culture doesn’t decline by ignoring the issues.
What can you do? Call out rape culture when you see it or hear it. Be there for a friend when they need you.
Question media reports and learn about victim blaming. Attend local events and vigils, and volunteer for local resource centres.