Responses to rape

Press, 26 May 1984, Page 18

Responses to rape

Sir,—The reasoning of P. Clements (May 19) equates rape with assault and assault with crime and as crime is already condemned by schools it seems the introduction of “courses on human sexuality and male attitudes towards women” are unjustified. However, P. Clements neglects to mention that, unlike other assaults, rape is a crime perpetrated by men against women. The male attitudes that prompt rape need to be dramatically altered and here, as always, the key to change lies in education. P. Clements also suggests there is a connection between the rise of feminism and increasing rape. If P. Clements’ outlook is representative of the sentiments of the Concerned Parents’ Association, there is little hope for tomorrow’s adults.—Yours, etc ~ ANNAMARIE JAGOSE, AMANDA RUSSEL. May 22, 1984.

Sir,—l am appalled by the tone of two recent letters implying that women and the feminist movement are responsible for the prevalence of rape. The old-fashioned concept of femininity sanctions rape, both in marriage and outside, by expecting women to be some man’s submissive helpless property, with the threat of rape to keep her from getting uppity. Blaming rape victims for accepting rides or being assertive seemingly implies that rape is socially acceptable. Men are fully responsible for controlling their actions and changing attitudes. Women are right to be angry at the outrage of physical violation and demand that their dignity and choices be respected. It is true that much of the sexual freedom of our time is to the advantage of the exploitative male, but the answer is not for women to revert to being sweet, helpless innocents. Instead, they must take power over sexual choices and insist that raping and violence against women be stopped. — Yours, etc., S. E. GORRINGE. May 22, 1984.

Sir,—George Sweet’s statements (“The Press,” May 16)“... The women’s movement has become almost impotent .i. unable to achieve much more in the face of determined male resistance... fear of intimacy, co-operativeness and equality is so strong for many men ...”, are timely and apt. Many strong yet tender women are wilting in the face of determined male resistance at all levels, within and without marriages. The sense of impotence in emotionally mature women is frightening, with feelings of hopelessness transcending personal lives, into a universal helplessness. Such an example is the nuclear issue. As a woman, I will

continue to be committed to the principles of love, care, faith, hope, justice at a personal level, translating these to my private and work relationships. However, I, and other women cannot achieve alone. Are there men out there willing to reciprocate?—Yours, etc., CHRISTINE D. ROWLANDS. May 16, 1984.

Sir,—Rape victims in Australia receive compensation. One victim I know of was granted $7500. This should be introduced to New Zealand. Are the victims not hurt in the same, or probably a worse, manner than in many accidents? This money would be invaluable for a recuperative holiday to help with the emotional stress suffered, which often takes a great deal longer to heal, than a physical disability caused by accident.— Yours, etc., JULIE MULLIGAN. May 24, 1984.