Violence

When I address high school girls and college women I begin by telling them about male socialization. Most haven't heard the truth about male socialization, especially from a male. Very often as I talk, some cry, most get very quiet. Previously they have been taught to ignore their instincts; not to identify abuse that they have suffered as abuse; that the greatest danger is from a stranger; and that it is nearly inevitable that they will be assaulted. Their only hope, they have been taught is: 1) to dress differently; 2) to drink less; 3) accept the protection that a male relative or partner offers (no matter that statistically he is most likely to assault them); 4) blame the victim and otherwise distance themselves from other survivors who they believe to be weak; 5) continue to believe that it is hopeless that there is nothing that a "mere" girl or woman can do to avoid sexual assault. It would be wrong to leave them feeling hopeless, so I read aloud from the following stories I have collected. I suggest to them that many females have "success" stories, stories where they (or other females) have avoided sexual assault. Sharing these stories and supporting survivors is definitely part of rape prevention for females. But, I don't want to victim-blame inadvertently. I include the following "disclaimer." There is no 100%, fool-proof method of rape avoidance. The research of Dr. Pauline Bart suggests though, that when women employ one rape avoidance strategy, they successfully disrupt 75% of rape attempts; and when two strategies are employed, women successfully disrupt 85% of attempted rapes! (NOTE: There are survivors present. There are girls or women who have employed any number of "proven" avoidance techniques, and were still assaulted.

Eleven-year-old Violet couldn't contain her excitement about a birthday party with her friends. But instead of a few hours of balloons and cake, she came home traumatised. Violet is just one of at least 52 pupils in Tshwaragano Primary School in Thokoza who have been raped in the past few years - raising fears in the community that the children are under siege by rapists. At least 37 children at the school have come forward this year to tell child welfare officials of their experiences of sexual abuse. When Gauteng Education MEC Angie Motshekga learnt about the alarming rate of child rapes, she organised a meeting with the school, which was held on Thursday. Principal Mmathoto Tlou said the rapes had been taking place steadily over the past three years. When 15 children confided in their teachers, the school had decided to call in Childline representatives and the Ekurhuleni metro police to hold a workshop in October. It was at this workshop that another 37 pupils found the courage to break their silence and speak about their horrific experiences. Violet's aunt said on Thursday that her niece came to live with her when her sister died in March - a month after the rape. She didn't know that Violet had been raped until a few months later.

Police and justice officials are investigating a claim by a 14-year-old girl that she was repeatedly raped over several years by 11 male students, aged 13 and 15, at the school for the deaf they all attended in Zoetermeer. Some of the alleged incidents involved a single attacker, but several of the boys took part in others, she has told investigators. Justice officials are going to prosecute three of the suspects, but the fate of the other eight has not yet been revealed, newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Friday. All 11 boys were expelled from Effatha school after the alleged victim told two staff members that the boys had forced her into sexual activity, the management board of the Effatha group of schools confirmed on Friday. The girl alleges that the incidents took place within school hours once the teacher had left the classroom. "The unethical behaviour apparently took place in short periods in hall ways, toilets, outside the school building just as there was no direct physical supervision. Sometimes five to 10 minutes was apparently enough," the board said. The alleged victim has been placed with a foster family in North Holland province, and is receiving therapy and education. Three of the suspects had been living in the school, but have now returned to their family homes. All 11 boys are getting home schooling.

A 14-year-old girl was raped by two 14-year-old boys at their school yesterday, the police said. The attack occurred at Intermediate School 302, at 350 Linwood Street, in Highland Park, inside a first floor bathroom, the police said. No weapon was used, said Officer Louis Camacho. The victim was taken to Brookdale Hospital. No one had been arrested as of late last night. A call to a Department of Education spokesman was not immediately returned.