Title: Why does sexual violence occur? – Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance
Headings: Why does sexual violence occur?
Why does sexual violence occur?
Content: Why does sexual violence occur? – Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance
Why does sexual violence occur? There are many factors that contribute to the occurrence of sexual violence. It is important to understand that perpetrators, not victims are responsible for sexual violence happening. Perpetrators have a strong sense of entitlement and use power and control to commit acts of sexual violence. Most perpetrators adhere to rigid “traditional” gender roles that focus on the inequality of women. This allows them to treat women and the targeted victim with no regard or respect. It is also important to look at other factors that contribute to sexual violence occurring sucah as those that are used to justify or excuse sexual violence. Gender-based stereotypes reinforce inequality between genders. For example, in a society where men are portrayed as being aggressive and women are seen as passive, a man who pressures a woman for sex is often perceived as behaving acceptably.