Violence: The Role Of Sexual Violence In The Media

Sexual violence is something that everybody in society knows of but until it happens to you, or someone that you know, it is often unspoken of. People do not realize how serious sexual violence is if it does not enter their bubble. Nowadays, the media plays an important part, as sexual violence is constantly depicted on the television or through games. Cartoons show violence too much that it is seen normal to see it even for your children. “The media does not causes violence but it reinforces the idea that men are strong dominant and powerful and that women are there to meet men’s need.” Hollywood is also under the light for having a moment of reckoning over the allegations Oscar-winning producer Harvey Weinstein harassed and abused multiple women in the industry for several decades. This shows a culture of complicity and secrets. On the front page of US

Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual act or activity. When one thinks of sexual violence, the first element that comes to mind is rape. However, sexual violence is more than rape, it can include: sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, marital rape, female genital mutilation, trafficking and so much more. The diversity and complexity of sexual violence is the fact that it can be perpetrated by a complete stranger or someone closed to you, from a colleague to a family member. There is no denying that what makes it so hard is the element of trust that can exist between the alleged offender and his victim. Most people do not imagine that someone they love and know can do such vile act. It should be added that unlike what some media might portray, no victim has asked for it and looked for trouble to happen. Victim blaming, especially when it comes to sexual violence is often done, explaining that they disbelieve the victim's story, minimize the severity of the attack, or even inappropriate post-assault treatment by medical personnel or other