Rape In America Essay

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Walking alone in a dark alley as the night creeps upon the back of a lonely woman trying to arrive home safely. This typical misconception is simply a stereotype attached to the word rape, tearing it away from the real meaning. However, rape is much more than that. It is the victimizing of a woman through penetration in whatever setting it may be. Dark alley or at home, rape can occur anywhere at any time. According to the Charleston Gazette, “Most victims know their attackers. Nearly half of female victims were assaulted by a former intimate partner, and 12 percent by a family member” (“Rape; Stain on America”). Consequently, victims tend to suffer greatly in several different aspects of their lives. Rape negatively affects society physically, …show more content…
Different elements that remind women of the assault like location or odor can isolate and cause them to stay in the comfort of their home (“Web Info on Sexual Assault and Abuse”). This isolation prevents the survivor from interacting and regaining confidence with society. It consumes the victim and does not allow them to move on and create a fresh start from the bitter memory of the abuse. Isolation can create thoughts in the mind of a person about themselves that may not always be the most positive. In addition to this, “changes in relationships include: not wanting to socialize, irritability, withdrawal, changes in lifestyle such as moving houses or changing jobs, avoiding anything that reminds the survivor of rape” (“Rape Trauma Syndrome”). Rape changes the life of a victim socially due to the fact that aspects of their lives that were not meant to change, changed. Having to move houses reflects on the idea that someone who was a victim of rape could no longer feel safe in the place they call, “home sweet home”. The survivors have to leave their jobs, and their lives behind because it reminds them of the horrific experience they unwillingly lived. Rape impacts the lives of those it touches in the most negative way. Despite all the help a victim could receive, it is difficult to handle the aftermath of

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