Orteza 1

Kianna Orteza
Professor Vana
English 113B
16 February 2015
Social and Cultural Issue: Rape
The Effects of Rape in a Relationship

Typically when people hear of rape we wonder how was it reported, what is the verdict
of the lawsuit and other detailed information. However some forget about the victim, the effect
of rape on victims lives. Rape is defined as a crime typically committed by a man of forcing a
sexual intercourse upon a partner against their will.(Dictionary.com) In the United States alone
rape is number six of the top ten committed crimes. While many bypass the effects of victims,
victims very well struggles with many life long issues that affect their everyday relationships
such as psychological,acceptance in themselves and trust in humanity.
Sexual violence can physically,emotionally and mentally effect survivors. Many victims
are three times more likely to suffer from depression, six times more likely to suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder,thirteen times more likely to abuse alcohol,twenty six times more likely
to abuse drugs, four times more likely to contemplate suicide(Rain). As we read the statistics we
can see how upholding a stable relationship can have its trials. Victims that stumble with post
traumatic stress disorder generally battle with re-experiencing the event, avoidance which causes
a certain attitude, and hyperarousal which is constantly feeling on the edge commonly feeling
like anxiety. Victims that have sexually transmitted diseases can suffer from STD and STI.
When victims stumble upon self harm they suffer from suicidal thoughts which can lead to
another effect of substance abuse. All of these being psychological effects having certain
medication and long term treatments can affect the victim and their relationship with others.

Orteza 2

Some victims feel that they will never be able to recover and sometimes victims partners can not
always handle the pressure causing relationships to be a struggle.
Many victims suffer with acceptance of themselves in many levels. These acceptance
levels can range but is not limited to; accepting that this tragic event has happened to them, how
some feel regretful and guilty. In addition acceptance to how they feel about their bodies.
Victims who after facing sexual violence generally feel regretful,the fact that they sense they did
something wrong which made them be a target of sexual violence. Victims also feel remorseful
in the fact that they think their activities brought upon the attack. Some victims find themselves
feeling not accepted by people around them, causing them to even remain silent. Victims have
even lowered their acceptance of themselves and lowered their esteem. Many claim that no
longer accept their own bodies. This effect of acceptance can hinder a relationship by not
allowing the victim to grow in a more positive atmosphere.
Trust and Loyalty are two fundamentals in a working and healthy relationship. However
with victims of sexual assault their trust is broken. Most rape victims suffer from thoughts such
as what if this person is lying and is actually going to hurt me. Victims with their trust broken
tend to struggle behind what they think is good yet doubt or later find out it was only harmful.
Such as a case in Guwahati, young twelve year old girl who was raped by neighborhood friends
who were all minors. This young girl now suffers from trauma of experience and other
psychological problems. She trusted that these friends would be good to her, trusted that they
would not do such a thing however we see trust in this very act was betrayed. Now having trust
broken can cause tension on a progressing relationship because it arises problems such as fear
and communication.

Orteza 3

However Margaret Wente, claims that rape or rape culture has now become standardized.
Not every victim is truly a victim. Some are victims that just cry wolf because they are afraid of
the consequences of their actions(Kaler). Crying wolf is based on Aesop, a Greek fabulist
meaning to lie(Phrase.com). Some would say rape victims were expecting it or asking for it even.
By saying they provoked them with their provocative outfits and activities. However victims are
not called victims for no reason they have reported an assault upon them because it was against
their will. Just as Wente said Rape is now standardized. Just because the word is being used in
chants,songs and in the media it still does not allow justification of the action.
The next time we hear of a rape we should consider more of the victims perspective
rather than focus on the other details. We should remember it is not merely an unjust sexual act
that is wrong but also that it brings forth problems physically and mentally. Both concepts should
at least be given proper priority. It is little wonder that rape is one of the least-reported crimes.
Perhaps it is the only crime in which the victim becomes the accused and, in reality, it is she who
must prove her good reputation, her mental soundness, and her impeccable proprietary.(Freda
Adler)

Work Cited

Chakravarti, Uma, Anand Chakravarti, Urvashi Butalia, Pratiksha Baxi, Xonzoi Barbara, Ashley
Tellis, Mohinder Singh, N. R Levin, and Sarovar Zaidi. "Rape Culture." Economic and
Political Weekly, 42.50 (2007): 4.

Orteza 4

"Cry Wolf, Boy Who - Phrase Meaning, Idiom & Expressions." Phrase Meaning, Idiom &
Expressions. Phrase Meaning, Idiom & Expressions, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.
"Discover the Story of English More than 600,000 Words, over a Thousand Years." Home:
Oxford English Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.
"Guilt and Shame of Being Raped." HealthyPlace. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.
Kaler, Amy. "Rape Culture." The Globe and Mail, (2013): A.12.
"RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network." RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National
Network | RAINN: The Nation's Largest Anti-sexual Assault Organization.One of
"America's 100 Best Charities" -Worth Magazine. Office for Victims of Crime, Office of
Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 2009. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.
W. Van Berlo & B. Ensink. Problems with Sexuality after Sexual Assault (n.d.): 235-57. CSUN
Library. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.