MATERNALIZING SEXUAL VIOLENCE

by Kathleen Hoy Foley

 

 

Rape, we’re mostly led to believe, is a one time misfortune that befalls nameless, faceless, and let’s admit it—sluts—when they cross paths with the wrong strangers. Which, damn it, they could prevent if they’d just stop making poor choices. Poor choices you imagine to be something like stumbling down a dark alleyway in a string bikini, drunk. That’s why you know it won’t happen to you or your daughter, or your granddaughter, your niece, given that none of you are sluts. Besides, since rape happens at the hands of strangers anyway, all a girl has to do is stay away from creeps and the seedy venues they inhabit. That and keep all the windows and doors locked, along with, don’t answer when a scary man is leaning on your doorbell. Most rapes could be prevented, you insist. And since every girl, every woman you know follows these basic instructions, every female in your life is safe from rape. See how easy it is? Whew...

 

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