Historical Context
Greek mythology has included various stories of gods and their involvement with rape. They have ranged from Apollo’s attempted rape on Daphne, the woman whom he loved, to Zeus raping Hera, whom she later married, in order to cover up her shame. 1 2 These narratives have been seen as a way to empower men because they contain strong and dominant figures that commit such acts.
Early in history, women have been subdued to inequality and sexual assault due to their depiction as fragile and inferior to men. They have lacked rights (to voting and education) and have been regarded as property exchange in marriage arrangements. It was until the fifteenth century that bride capture was seen as an adequate way of obtaining a wife. This consisted of raping a woman to make them their spouse. Most cultures resembling ancient Babylonian civilization would reduce the value if they had lost their virtue. Nonetheless, if they were raped prior to the wedding, the father would be to blame, but he would only receive a lesser amount of money in the agreement. |
Jewish people, under Hebrew law, would stone to death the victim of rape and sexual assault along with her rapist because they believed that the woman could have escaped or screamed if she was being forcefully held against her will (whether she was married or single). If the incident happened outside jurisdiction, she would be subjected to marrying her rapist while her father was rewarded, but if she were to settle down with another man, the perpetrator would be stoned to death while the woman would be sold for a lower price.
Britain, during the middle Ages, also followed similar laws which stated that the victim was obligated to cry and move on while displaying torn clothing to men of good honor. If she hesitated and did not do as said instantly, her allegation would be dismissed and she would be litigated for fabricating an apocryphal accusation. |
Rape within marriage was not acknowledged as a crime because throughout
a woman’s life she was her father’s property and later her husband’s. In 1976,
South Australia made adjustments to the Criminal Law of Consolidation Act 1935
of South Australia for the same reason. Presently, the law includes the
penetration of any part of the body and provides reference to oral and anal
rape. 3
In 1972, the first rape crisis centers were established in San Francisco, CA (Bay Area Women Against Rape) and Washington, D.C. They were created based on the women’s movement (1840-1920). Rape was seen as a common component in a woman’s life that impacted their health and freedom. 4 These centers became an approach for education society about rape and a way to attempt to prevent it to help advance the treatment of survivors.
In 1972, the first rape crisis centers were established in San Francisco, CA (Bay Area Women Against Rape) and Washington, D.C. They were created based on the women’s movement (1840-1920). Rape was seen as a common component in a woman’s life that impacted their health and freedom. 4 These centers became an approach for education society about rape and a way to attempt to prevent it to help advance the treatment of survivors.
1 Schodde, Carla. "Rape Culture in Classical Mythology." Found in Antiquity. 6 Oct. 2013. Web. 15 Mar. 2015. <http://foundinantiquity.com/2013/10/06/rape-culture-in-classical-mythology/>.
2 "Information on Zeus the Greek God." Information on Zeus the Greek God. 2002. Web. 15 Mar. 2015. <http://www.zeus-publications.com/zeusgod.htm>.
3 "The Context of Rape and Sexual Assault." Yarrow Place | Rape and Sexual Assault Service. Government of South Australia SA Health, 12 Apr. 2010. Web. 15 Mar. 2015. <http://www.yarrowplace.sa.gov.au/booklet_context.html>.
4 Kilpatrick, Dean G. "Rape and Sexual Assault." Rape and Sexual Assault. National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center | Medical University of South Carolina. Web. 15 Mar. 2015. <https://mainweb-v.musc.edu/vawprevention/research/sa.shtml>.
2 "Information on Zeus the Greek God." Information on Zeus the Greek God. 2002. Web. 15 Mar. 2015. <http://www.zeus-publications.com/zeusgod.htm>.
3 "The Context of Rape and Sexual Assault." Yarrow Place | Rape and Sexual Assault Service. Government of South Australia SA Health, 12 Apr. 2010. Web. 15 Mar. 2015. <http://www.yarrowplace.sa.gov.au/booklet_context.html>.
4 Kilpatrick, Dean G. "Rape and Sexual Assault." Rape and Sexual Assault. National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center | Medical University of South Carolina. Web. 15 Mar. 2015. <https://mainweb-v.musc.edu/vawprevention/research/sa.shtml>.