A Social Problem
- Because they have consequences that affect not only the private lines of the victims, but also those of their entourage.
- Because they keep all women in our society in fear of being assaulted.
- Because sexual assaults are part of the larger problem of violence against women
- Because it is an issue that stems directly from the unequal gender relations perpetrated in our society throughout history
- Because the phenomenon is held in place by false beliefs conveyed in the population that seek to make the victims feel guilty and the aggressors feel less responsible
Sexual aggression is a social problem
A social problem requires a social response!
By coming to CALAS, women can become aware that sexual assault is not an isolated act which they contributed to or caused, but rather the manifestation of unequal relations between men and women and because of discriminatory and oppressive social structures. These gender inequalities are constructed through the differential socialization of girls and boys, unequal relationships, rape culture, and lack of information and education about healthy relationships and sexuality.
While all women are likely to experience sexual assault at some point, some women are more vulnerable to violence. Other forms of discrimination can be added to the sexism that women experience in our society, such as being a visible minority, being Indigenous, living with a physical or intellectual disability, and being lesbian-bisexual. Many prejudices are held against women living in particular realities, such as those with a mental health problem or women with a history of prostitution. These prejudices make women more vulnerable to sexual violence.
