Daily Feminist Action

Another post about rape, as anonymity for “rape defendants” set to go through :(

*TRIGGER WARNING* This article talks about resources for survivors of sexual assault, including rape, and rape culture and rubbish news from UK politics.

I’ve been thinking about rape and rape culture a lot recently.

Over the weekend, one situation emerged where someone ignorant and unwilling to listen & learn was doing the rape denial thing. I’ve been wanting to address the misogyny around this for a while, the False Claims article concisely expresses some of what’s wrong.

Lots of intense conversations, most of which have been incredibly helpful and one of which included requests for education about objectification.

Rape Culture 101 at Shakesville is an article I find really helpful for getting to grips with what rape culture is about and some of the effects of it.

The other articles listed below I’ve found really helpful for understanding rape and sexual assault, for dealing with some feelings that come out of sexual violence and for demolishing victim-blaming. I really recommend them.

• Another thing I could do without - this made me cry, I think it’s an excellent article for survivors, pretty trigger-y
• Date Rape Is Real Rape False Claims
• Rape: Pretty real when it’s happening
• Rape FAQ - lots of personal experiences in the comments, this is one of them
• No Place To Tell This Tale

I meant to post this yesterday, but as it happens, today is particularly timely: The Telegraph has just announced “Free” vote for male MPs to push through anonymity for suspected rapists. (Article not rife with misogyny, from my reading of it; although it could have mentioned that false allegations are rare and no higher than for other crimes).

Note how those accused of terrorism are labelled “suspected terrorists” in the media, whereas those accused of rape are labelled “rape defendants”. Note how this issue has split the parties along gender lines. Note that those in favour of the bill have yet to say why rape defendants ought to be treated differently from those accused of any other crime. Note the already low reporting rates, low conviction rates etc. Note my INCANDESCENT FEMINIST RAGE.