Skip To Content
Quick Escape
Working to create a world free of violence & abuse
Contact Us  /  Signup

What is Rape Culture...

What is Rape Culture...

People often ask us what we mean when we talk about the need to change rape culture. Many choose to see sexual assault as the action of an individual outside of any context or they choose to see a context that is inherently discriminatory (e.g. “those people are animals”).

The last few weeks have been filled with headlines that remind us how important a thoughtful examination of rape culture really is. In late June, E. Jean Carroll came forward to publicly accuse President Trump of sexually assaulting her. At Vera House, we always start by believing survivors. We know the President denied the allegations, but in his denial he contributed to rape culture by stating that E. Jean Carroll was “not his type”.  Sexual assault is not about types. Sexual assault is about an abuse of power and using that power to hurt, humiliate and put fear into a vulnerable victim.  When we talk about rape in the context of “being someone’s type”, we deny the reality of rape and contribute to rape culture.

In recent days, we have been subjected to more stories of rape culture in action. Consider the case of Jeffrey Epstein, arrested for sex trafficking, after years of allegations and investigations into sex crimes against underage girls. Epstein’s behavior was well known by many who knew him.  He had relationships with rich and powerful people, including former President Clinton and current President Trump, and he was previously given “the deal of a lifetime” without consulting his victims in a Florida case. The acceptance of the sexual victimization of young girls as Epstein “enjoying his social life” is part of the culture we must change.

Still not sure that we have to address rape culture?  Consider the story about the 16-year-old boy who filmed himself with the caption, “When your first time having sex was rape” and then shared the video widely. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/02/nyregion/judge-james-troiano-rape.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

In deciding whether to charge the young man as an adult, a New Jersey Judge in the case denied the motion because, “He’s an Eagle Scout who comes from a ‘good’ family,” noting that “prosecutors should have explained to the girl that pressing charges would destroy the boy’s life.” Thankfully, an appellate court overruled the decision. 

What is rape culture? Rape Culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture.  It includes blaming the victim, trivializing sexual assault and refusing to take rape accusations seriously.  Please join Vera House in efforts to end rape culture.  #BelieveSurvivors  #StandWithVeraHouse  #SaySomething

A Message to Andrew Cuomo

“The Friends of Andrew Cuomo” spent over $300,000 to launch an ad campaign designed to paint former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as a victim of political attacks because of the sexual harassment claims against him. We cannot allow this gaslighting to continue while the ad revictimizes victims of not only Cuomo’s sexual harassment but ANYONE who has ever experienced abuse. The tactics used by Cuomo and his supporters further represent the barriers that survivors face every day that prevent them from coming forward and getting support. 

 

We at Vera House have asked Andrew Cuomo to take accountability for the harm he has caused on multiple occasions. Instead of admitting to his wrongdoings, he continues to use power and control to suppress and invalidate the truths of the survivors.  Today we released a video, produced by Solon Quinn Studios and supported by Survivors’ Network, that sends a powerful message to survivors, "I believe you."  

 

We are asking you to help us amplify the video so that survivors throughout New York and the rest of the world know that we believe and stand with them. 

 

Here’s how to get involved:  

1. Share our post on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter  

2. Engage with our content on Instagram and TikTok   

3. Share survivor support resources from your organization  

4. Tag @verahouseinc  

 

For any questions or to request an interview with a member of Survivors' Network, please contact us at: communications@verahouse.org