Understanding Rape Scripts
Understanding Rape Scripts
As a society, we tend to normalize sexual trauma which makes victims feel isolated, shameful, and at fault. As discussed in, “Sexual Trauma: Rape in the gray zone” victims are often left “walking alone in abandonment, shame, and darkness.” According to the article, “rape scrips are narratives that we’re taught in society, like the idea that rape is always violent or that the perpetrator is usually a stranger.” There are mainstream preconceived notions that negatively reinforce what defines and constitutes rape, when in reality the victim often knows the perpetrator which creates more issues with trust and feelings of betrayal and confusion. Some may overlook nonconventional rape experiences and be overly dismissive and therefore the victim may not be diagnosed with PTSD or Rape Trauma Syndrome.
If the victim’s experience does not necessarily fulfill the therapist’s personal rape script or understanding of rape then there is a heightened risk of insensitivity or disregard for their pain and suffering. They may be dismissed entirely or made to feel like their experience was not traumatic enough somehow. These rape scripts “limit many people's understandings of the realities of rape and sexual assault” and that there is a high risk of survivors feeling invalidated and belittled if their experience does not align with the widespread rape script. It is crucial to have open dialogue and to avoid attributing blame. The article mentions “someone has experienced sexual trauma if they feel violated or betrayed after a sexual act” which is helpful to keep in mind. There is a lot of gray area, especially if alcohol or other mind-altering substances are involved. Consent is consent and it can be revoked at any point and should be established at every step of each encounter.
Consent must be “knowingly, willingly and enthusiastically saying yes to any act of intimacy, free of coercion or fear.” Rape scripts may easily discredit a victim’s experience and may invalidate their symptoms, resulting in a lack of proper PTSD diagnosis and treatment interventions.
We all know the statistics: One in every three women has been raped or sexually assaulted. The more open we are about our experiences, the more we can create a supportive environment for victims (women, men, and children). If you or a loved one has experienced rape or sexual abuse of any kind, please do not hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Please contact us at Meridian Counseling to schedule your complimentary phone consultation.
*** Written by Tamlyn Lee, AMFT for Meridian Counseling.