At SASHA we want to ensure our society includes a range of viewpoints and perspectives. Continuing our series on Instagram called “Decolonising conversations around sexual assault”, we are exploring sexual violence in the Czech Republic.
An Overview of sexual violence in the Czech Republic:
Sexual Assault is a taboo in the Czech Republic, causing a lack of education and ignorance
Many people don't know that they have experienced sexual violence
Czech laws require there to be a threat of violence rather than a withdrawal of consent
Statistics:
12,000 rapes are committed each year
Only 600 are reported
78 of these end in successful prosecutions
90% of sexual violence is committed by partners, family members or known by the victim
1/4 of the Czech Republic's population thinks forced sex with a partner shouldn't be against the law
1 in 2 women has experienced sexual harassment
Laws
The current definition of rape is failing many victims - if there isn't violence it won't sustain in court
This diminishes survivor's/victim's experiences as Czech laws won't acknowledge sexual assault/ rape unless there is violence involved
A member of our community came forward to express their experiences. Below is their full quotation:
“Most of the harassment happens in public. The sexist culture manifests itself in ignorance towards public harassment. We are talking about adults walking by girls being verbally/physically harassed and looking away, acting like everything is fine, or even joining in. As a younger girl, I would get whistles, stares, and derogatory and humiliating comments every day. It was a part of my normal life. Even now, I have never heard an adult from my country talk about this issue (other than therapists). I always felt frustrated, helpless and scared just existing as a woman there. Hopefully, the younger generations are starting to shift the view on sexism now.”
For more information check out the post on our recent Instagram post: “Decolonising conversations around Sexual Assault: Part 2”. If you require any additional help, relate to or find this blog triggering, check out the Resource Tab on our website. We want to make sure SASHA is representative of all voices, if there is something you think we are missing we’d love to hear about it through our Feedback Form. If you would like to be featured in this series, you can send us an email or message on our Instagram!
Written by Nina Piotrowska
Edited by McKenzie Burnett
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