Violence against women

what is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

abuse in intimate relationships (not just married or cohabiting couples).

types of IPV (3)

• Intimate Terrorism: one-sided, extreme control/violence.

• Situational Couple Violence: less severe, mutual.

• Violent Resistance: often a self-defense response to abuse.

when did martial rape become illegal

Marital rape wasn’t illegal in all 50 U.S. states until 1993.

difference between men and women in IPV when their the victims

Women are more often victims and experience more severe harm, but men are less likely to report due to stigma.

forms of abuse

• Verbal

• Emotional

• Sexual

• Psychological

• Financial

• Familial or interpersonal

Abuse can be ?

• Unidirectional (one person abusing another).

• Bidirectional (mutual violence) towards one another

what is Femicide (3)

The intentional killing of women because they are women.

• In Canada, closely tied to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

• Example: Montreal Massacre (1989)—a man targeted and murdered 14 women at École Polytechnique, blaming feminism for his failures.

what is Rape Culture (5)

• A societal environment where rape is normalized or excused.

• Examples include:

  • Victim blaming (e.g., “What was she wearing?”).

  • Slut shaming.

  • Believing women must prevent their own assault.

• Puts responsibility on women instead of addressing the system.

what is another example of rape culture

Other examples: using a women’s dress/clothing as
an “invitation” for sexual assault, shaming women
for alcohol consumption, not saying “no,”, etc.

what is rape myths (6)

• False beliefs that reinforce rape culture and discredit victims:

  • “Women lie about rape.”

  • “Only attractive women get raped.”

  • “You can’t be raped by your partner.”

  • “You must physically resist to be believed.”

• These myths are heteronormative, harmful, and widespread in media and courts.

what is the The “Stranger Danger” Myth (3)

• Most people believe rape is by strangers, but:

  • 75–80% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows.

• Encourages constant self-surveillance by women, rather than addressing real sources of harm.

what is the #MeToo Movement (2)

• Gave survivors a platform to share experiences and push for accountability.

• Exposed many high-profile abusers (e.g., Harvey Weinstein, R. Kelly, Kevin Spacey).

who was this movement founded by

• Founded by Tarana Burke (2006), popularized by Alyssa Milano (2017).

what is criticism this movement faces? (3)

• Can re-traumatize survivors.

• Overly focused on celebrities.

• Lacks inclusion of sex workers and incarcerated women.

what are Barriers for IPV victims thats preventing from reporting it

• Emotional manipulation.

• Financial dependency.

• Fear for children’s safety.

• Isolation.

what about Barriers for sexual assault survivors: (4)

• Shame and stigma.

• Not believed by authorities.

• Trauma from reporting or testifying.

• Movements like SlutWalk and #MeToo have helped—but systemic issues remain.

how many Canadian hospitals have rape kits

41%

how many untested rape kits in california

14,000

how many rapes go unreported?

80%

how many rape cases result in felony conviction

• <1% of rape cases result in felony convictions.

• Victim-blaming by judges and unpunished abusers continue to silence survivors.