Sexual violence particularly rape, is an issue that tears at the very fabric of our society. It’s not about desire or passion but it's about the power, control, and a disturbing need to dominate. The big questions we need to ask ourselves are; Why do some men commit such horrific acts? And more importantly, how can we as a society put an end to this cycle of violence?

Uncovering the Roots of Sexual Violence

To understand why some men rape, we must dig deeper into the cultural and psychological factors that fuel this behaviour. One of the major culprits is toxic masculinity. From a young age, boys are often taught that being a “real strong man” which means suppressing their emotions, showing dominance, and viewing women as objects to be conquered rather than as an equal person. This warped version of masculinity can easily morph into aggression and in the worst cases, into sexual violence.

A shocking statistic from the World Health Organization(WHO) reveals that nearly one in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence and most often at the hands of an intimate partner. This isn’t just a number, it’s a stark reminder that we have a serious problem on our hands and one that affects every corner of the world.

Another piece of this disturbing puzzle is the toxic culture of victim blaming. How often have we heard someone say, “What was she wearing?” or “Why was she out so late?”  These kinds of questions shift the focus away from the perpetrator, making it easier for them to avoid accountability. Worse still, they reinforce the idea that the victim somehow brought this upon themselves. In many parts of the world, legal systems still fail to provide the justice and support that survivors desperately need.

Power of Recent Movements

The urgency of addressing sexual violence has been highlighted by recent events and movements. The "#MeToo" movement, for example, has brought to light the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault across industries and social classes. It’s sparked a global conversation about consent, gender roles, and the importance of believing survivors. But despite the increased awareness, sexual violence continues to occur at an alarming rate.

Consider the recent reports from conflict zones like Ukraine and Ethiopia, where rape is being used as a weapon of war. This is more than just a crime against individuals but it’s an attempt to break the spirit of entire communities. These atrocities serve as a grim reminder that rape is not just an individual act of violence, it’s a systemic issue that demands our full attention.

Even in so called peaceful societies, the problem persists. High profile cases of sexual assault on college campuses, in workplaces, and within religious institutions continue to surface, showing that no environment is immune. These cases are not isolated incidents but rather symptoms of a larger, deeply ingrained cultural problem.

Ways for Change

So, what can we do to stop this cycle of violence? The first step is educating the people. We need to redefine what it means to be a man, emphasising empathy, respect, and equality over dominance and control. Schools and communities should be places where discussions about consent, healthy relationships and gender equality are as common place as lessons in math and science.

But education alone isn't enough. Legal reforms are crucial for an impact. It’s not sufficient to have laws on the books and they need to be enforced rigorously, and survivors need to be supported through the process. The current statistics are disheartening: according to UN Women, only 40% of women who experience violence seek help, and even fewer report it to the authorities. This highlights the urgent need for a system that encourages survivors to come forward and not the one that makes them feel further victimised.

The media also plays a vital role in shaping societal attitudes. How stories are reported and how survivors and perpetrators are portrayed can either perpetuate harmful stereotypes or help dismantle them. We need to move away from sensationalism and toward responsible, empathetic reporting that holds perpetrators accountable and treats survivors with the dignity they deserve.

Call to Collective Action

Ending sexual violence is a collective responsibility. We need to create a culture where respect, equality, and consent are the norms, not the exceptions. It’s about holding those who commit these crimes accountable and ensuring that survivors have the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

The time to act is now. We all have a role to play in breaking the silence and the challenging toxic norms of our society and build a society where everyone regardless of gender feels safe, respected, and valued. Change starts with each of us and it starts today.

-Vaishnav