Women as Perpetrators: Male Rape

Historically, rape has been defined as a crime predominantly committed by men (Eriksson, 2011). A wealth of literature exists on female experiences of sexual violence; for decades feminist academics have researched the topic, portraying rape as an abuse of power used to dominate females in a society governed by patriarchy (DuToit, 2012). Research, campaigns, and activism has given women a platform for their voices to be heard with positive progress made in policy and the public arena (Depraetere & Vandeviver, 2020). However, the positive progress achieved for women is arguably to the detriment of male victims of SV because men are portrayed as perpetrators of sex crimes, failing to acknowledge men can be victims too (Javaid, 2018). The notion that roles can be reversed, the female becoming the perpetrator and a male, the victim is an issue society, and UK Law are reluctant to acknowledge (Depraetere & Vandeviver, 2020). This research paper will explore society’s gender constructs of masculinity and femininity, considering how they contribute to the lack of understanding relating to male victims of SV (Hine, 2021). It will also critically analyse current UK legislation’s reluctance to acknowledge that males can be raped by females, advocating that UK policy should use gender neutral terminology and widen the definition of rape (Pepper, McMillan & Koch, 2013).

Name dc:type.qualificationname

ma

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Cleaver, Donna

• HQ Y teulu. Priodas. Benyw.
• HV Patholeg gymdeithasol. Lles cymdeithasol a chyhoeddus

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:2319