Trigger warning: Please bear in mind that this article is about rape, violence and sexual assault…. If you’ve ever been a victim or you’re still recovering from sexual abuse, it’s advisable not to read the article.


 

Rape is a taboo no one wants to talk about. Sadly, the number of rape cases is on the rise in Egypt. In our society, some people wrongly believe that rape cases only come about when illiterate men of low socioeconomic background kidnap girls and force them to have sex without their consent, but that’s only half the truth. Yes, this is one scenario of rape, but there’s so much more to it than that.

First question to ask, what is rape? According to the Oxford dictionary, rape is forcing another person to have sexual intercourse with the offender against their will. That means women AND men are both subject to rape; adults and children too.

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Second question, what is not rape? Consensual Sex is the only thing that’s not rape. As simple as that. Consensual Sex is when both partners willingly agree to have sex. By willingly, I mean they’re both of legal age, sober and don’t fear the consequences of declining.

As disturbing as it may sound, I can guarantee that either you, or someone you know got raped without actually realizing it. I particularly blame the media for their support of the rape culture, especially in comedy movies and most pop songs.

Here are some common acts of rape that are portrayed daily in the media:

  • Intoxicating a person and letting them agree to have sex

They might say yes, or even ask for it, but it’s still rape! Whether you’re a couple, friends, strangers, or whatever you are, if you want to have sex, ask them when they’re sober. If she/he asks for sex when they’re drunk, decline. Let them know you refuse to have sex with them until they’re sober.

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  • Having sex with a minor

Like in most countries, the legal age to practice sex in Egypt is 18. It’s illegal to have a sexual relationship with someone who’s under 18; it’s considered rape. Anyone under the legal age is not mature enough to make the right decisions. For all those who brag about being “safa7 el underage”, you’re rapists.

  • Forcing marital sex

Surprisingly, the most common type of rape in Egypt is marital rape. Getting married doesn’t mean you have a sex slave you could sleep with whenever you want. If one of the spouses doesn’t wish to have sex, then they shouldn’t.

  • Having sex with the “Slut”

I could write a whole book about slut shaming, but that’s not the main topic here. Many men tend to believe that if a girl has previously had sex with many partners, then she should agree to sex with them too. No! Even if she slept with all the men in the world and she chooses not to, then it’s a no. The number of men she’s been with has nothing to do with her decision, and you must respect her decisions.

  • “But she liked it”

Some men force their new partners to have sex and if the girl gives in mid-way, they claim that she liked it so it’s not rape. It is still rape! Usually girls who give up and start “enjoying” the sex aren’t actually enjoying it. It’s a normal psychological phenomenon called “Stockholm syndrome”. When a person feels helpless, they adapt. That’s exactly the case, and it’s the worst type of rape.

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  • “She was asking for it”

No one asks for rape. Unless they verbally ask for sex, then they’re not. Pure and simple.