unnamed on Nostr: Bergehed said most people still thought of rape as an attack by a stranger, but a ...
Bergehed said most people still thought of rape as an attack by a stranger, but a review of court cases in Sweden showed almost all victims knew their assailant.
“These stereotypes are not helping victims to step forward - it makes them unsure of whether they really experienced rape or not,” she added.
Bergehed said many women also blamed themselves for what happened, particularly if they had frozen and not fought back.
Police and courts often query a victim’s story if she did not retaliate, but there is growing evidence that many victims experience temporary paralysis when raped.
“These stereotypes are not helping victims to step forward - it makes them unsure of whether they really experienced rape or not,” she added.
Bergehed said many women also blamed themselves for what happened, particularly if they had frozen and not fought back.
Police and courts often query a victim’s story if she did not retaliate, but there is growing evidence that many victims experience temporary paralysis when raped.