What Does Rape Mean?

Rape is a horrible, traumatic crime that has a severe emotional, psychological, and physical impact. It occurs when someone is forced to engage in sexual activities that they do not consent to. While it can happen to anyone regardless of their gender or identity, it is a particularly prominent problem amongst female-identifying individuals.

The “Meaning” of Rape

When someone engages in nonconsensual sex, they are violating the body, mind, and spirit of another person. To commit rape, it is not necessary that penetration occurs; any type of physical or verbal coercion that forces someone to engage in sexual contact is considered rape. The meaning of rape is that one person has taken away the autonomy of another person and has perpetuated violence, fear, and trauma.

The Impact of Rape

The effects of rape can be long-term and widespread. Survivors often experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions that can last for years following the assault. Physical consequences can include broken bones, bruising, and the risk of contracting an STD or becoming pregnant. The emotional pain and suffering felt by survivors is something that cannot be put into words.

Rape is an incredibly serious crime, and it needs to be addressed with more urgency and empathy. Survivors need to be provided with the support and resources they need to start the healing process, and perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. As long as rape culture exists, survivors are not safe and can never truly feel safe again because they know they are not protected. Everyone deserves to be respected and treated with dignity and consent.