- In a powerful and courageous act, a woman took to Twitter to share her thoughts and experiences regarding child sexual assault and rape. Her poignant words shed light on the societal narratives surrounding these heinous crimes, particularly the misguided belief that women's clothing choices are responsible for encouraging and justifying acts of sexual violence.
Recalling her own encounters with sexualization and assault, the author recounts the first time she was made to feel uncomfortable by the leering gazes of older men. Though she was too young to comprehend the implications fully, their objectifying comments were deeply unsettling. The second instance, which occurred during her fifth-grade years, involved being sexually assaulted in a crowded taxi. Despite wearing her school uniform and being surrounded by people, the perpetrator managed to assault her for an extended period, leaving her terrified and silenced.
The second time, I was actually sexually assaulted in a taxi full of people. I was in grade 5 and in full uniform.
— Gao (@Gao_Phala) June 12, 2023
The man was able to get his hands up my skirt, tell me to shut up, and fondle me for at least 40 minutes. I was petrified, and I didn’t tell anyone
The author emphasizes that these incidents persisted throughout her journey into womanhood, often occurring when she was fully clothed and adhering to societal notions of decency. This personal testimony challenges the prevalent notion that women who expose parts of their bodies are inviting sexual violence upon themselves. Specifically referencing the recent trending controversy surrounding a public figure, Pearl Thusi, the author questions the narrative that accuses women of inciting lust and, ultimately, rape through their choice of attire.
The author eloquently asks readers to consider the impact of such a narrative on their younger selves. Could this narrative be applied to the 13-year-old version of herself, the 19-year-old, or even the adult she has become? By raising these thought-provoking questions, she highlights the flawed logic behind blaming victims for the actions of their abusers.
Addressing the issue of victim-blaming and the excuses society makes for abusers, the author exposes the fallacy of using women's bodies as a weapon to excuse rape and sexual assault. She argues that a person's decision to expose parts of their body is an expression of bodily autonomy and should not be misconstrued as an invitation for violation. Our bodies, as girls and women, have become highly politicized, and this reality further complicates our struggles with identity and self-expression.
The author emphasizes that being fully dressed has never acted as a deterrent to sexual abuse. By perpetuating the notion that clothing choices are the cause of sexual assault, we inadvertently erase the experiences of countless individuals who have been violated in their most intimate spaces. Rape and sexual assault are not merely about sex or lust; they are fundamentally about power and control. It is essential to shift the focus from women's bodies to the actions and motivations of perpetrators, and to address the systemic issues that perpetuate these crimes.
In sharing her story, the author challenges us to examine the narratives we uphold, to break free from victim-blaming mentalities, and to confront the uncomfortable reality that rape and sexual assault thrive due to power imbalances within society. Only by doing so can we begin to dismantle the systems that enable such horrific acts and work towards a future where every person can live free from the fear of sexual violence.
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