Most of the time, people need to be reminded that rape and sexual assault don’t happen because a woman is showing off skin. We’ve already spoken in length about people like Sen. Tito Sotto who blame women for wearing short shorts, but it seems that there are still those who don’t get the hint.
Well, here’s a news flash for you: Quartz India just published further proof that men, not the length of one’s clothing, are the reason why sexual assault happens.
How so? The article showed rape and sexual assault graphs from the Delhi Police and the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department. The result showed that way more women get raped and assaulted in Delhi―take note that, according to the writer, women there are “swathed (usually beautifully) in fabric that often went from neck to ankle.” While in Hong Kong, womenswear are the opposite―”teeny shorts, mid-thigh skirts, and sleeveless shirts.”
Not going to lie, I was surprised when I saw the graphs. Even more so when a male Hong Kong native told the outlet that most men in their country would be embarrassed if they are caught catcalling and are also aware that it makes women uncomfortable. Some have even noted that sexual criminals are considered “lower form of life than other criminals.”
This just shows that men only need common decency, as well as control, in front of women. FYI, we are not objects or attractions that you can grope and whistle at whenever you please. We are human being just as men are. At the same time, people need to realize that blaming a crime on clothing and not the doer is just downright ridiculous and unhelpful.
This serves as a lesson for everyone to stop the stigma of victim-blaming when it comes to rape and sexual assault. Maybe this can also be a guide for local lawmakers too to create more strict ordinances against catcalling and other similar cases in cities other than Quezon City.
[Quartz India]
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
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