What is Rape? Understanding the Definition, Myths, and Truths
Rape is a form of sexual violence that involves an individual being forced or coerced into engaging in sexual activity against their will. It is a crime of power and control, and it can have profound and long-lasting impacts on the survivor's emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions about rape often cloud our understanding, which is why it’s crucial to educate ourselves on the true nature of sexual violence.
Broad View vs. Narrow View of Rape
Rape is commonly understood in different ways, which can range from a broad view to a narrow one.
The legal definition is more specific, but the broader view recognises that sexual violation can occur in various forms, not just through penetration.
Broad View: Rape includes any act of sexual violation, such as non-consensual sexual contact, verbal or physical coercion, and manipulation. This view acknowledges that rape is not always physically violent.
Narrow View: Rape is defined as the penetration of a person’s genitalia by a penis when that person doesn’t consent to it.
What Does the Law Say?
In New Zealand, rape is legally defined as:
"Person A rapes person B if person A has sexual connection with person B, effected by the penetration of person B’s genitalia by person A’s penis:
(a) without person B’s consent to the connection; and
(b) without believing on reasonable grounds that person B consents to the connection."
Rape may also include:
Forced or coerced oral sex
Forced or coerced masturbation
Penetration with objects
Forced or coerced anal sex
Across-gender or same-gender sexual abuse (e.g. female-on-male, male-on-male, female-on-female, male-on-female).
False Beliefs About Rape
There are several myths about rape that persist in society. It’s important to recognize these as false:
If a person did not physically resist or say no, then it wasn’t rape.
Rape would not happen if people didn’t dress seductively.
Only young, attractive people are sexually assaulted.
Only strangers rape.
A person cannot be raped by their spouse or partner.
It wasn’t really rape if the survivor was drinking; it was just regretful sex.
NONE OF THESE BELIEFS ARE TRUE
Truths About Rape
Here are some important truths to understand about rape:
Resistance may not prevent sexual assault, and it can sometimes increase the risk of harm.
What a person wears has little to do with who is assaulted. Rape is about the abuser’s actions and control.
Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or appearance can be a victim of sexual assault.
Most perpetrators are known to the survivor; relatives and friends can be capable of committing sexual violence.
A person can be raped by their spouse or partner, consent is the key, and the law recognises the right to say “no”.
Drinking does not cause rape. Perpetrators are responsible for their actions.
Rape is about misuse of power and can have long-term emotional, physical, and psychological effects on the survivor. It is a crime that strips away an individual’s dignity and sense of self-determination.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Contact
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0800 614 614 (24/7)
06 370 8446
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