Norway and its neighbors compete to be named the most gender-equal country in the world. However, gender equality has remained at an archaic standstill when it comes to the bedroom. Rape numbers are staggering, as it has been estimated that as many as 1 in 10 Norwegian women over the age of 15 have been a victim. Some experts argue that as societies move towards a position of gender-equality, the traditional roles and levels of power are being redistributed, causing a transitional period, where violence (in this case, rape) rises as a final expression of male domination.
The majority of rape cases are never reported, and the Justice Ministry has stated that only 10% of cases that are brought to official attention end up in a conviction. The most overlooked type of rape is that of the family home, an area that has historically been considered off limits to law enforcement agencies. Contrary to common belief, most rapes occur in a private location such as the home, and are committed by someone well-known to the victim such as a close friend or family member. Tove Smaadahl, general manager for the country’s largest shelter organization, says that Norway will not ensure equality until the issue of relationship rape has been addressed.
Marital rape was long considered to be a contradiction of terms, as it was seen as a contractual duty of the wife once she chose to be married. Only recently, with women’s rights movements and consent laws, has marital rape been held to higher standards where it may be considered a crime. Norway is still 1 of 127 countries in the world that do not clearly prohibit rape within marriage. Laura Turquet, chief author of the U.N. 2011 Progress of the World’s Women report, believes that criminalizing this behavior is central to changing it. She states, “Explicit legislation accompanied by clear protocols send a very clear message to the police and the courts that sexual violence is never a private matter.”
Whether it occurs in the bedroom or elsewhere, rape cannot be ignored. Women who are victims of this crime are not confident in taking the matter to officials for a number of apparent reasons such as: low conviction numbers, downplay of marital rape, and their relationship with the offender. If Norway plans to further its search for gender equality, it must understand this obstacle. Its treatment of rape must undergo a transformation that allows women to become equal in all areas.
6 comments:
It is great to know that there is a lot of gender equality in Norway, however an issue as big as rape cannot be ignored. There has to be way to put a stop to this. This should be seen to the government and the police department as a serious crime. Men have to realize that rape is not okay.
Rape is a big issue that is often ignored and should not be. Having great gender equality is good though, but policies should be put into place to help with the issue of rape.
Whether it is in a bedroom or in an alleyway, rape is never OK. Sexual violence committed against women has been overlooked for too long and people are finally realizing this.
Rape is something that every nation faces and deals with, whether they come to terms with it or not. Luckily, with Norway being such a nation of equality, it is more likely than not that they will find a way to punish this power-play crime against both women and men.
I also think that some kind of law should be put into place to prevent rape at home (anywhere). It i unusual that this has gone unresolved with the gender equality in Norway. Hopefully a solution will soon come.
Rape is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly anywhere. Having gender equality is good, but I'd much rather have a lower equality rate than a high rape rate.
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