The importance of education in ending violence against women
One of the conclusions from last month’s Eurobarometer released for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was absolutely shocking. 27% of 27,818 respondents from all 28 EU countries think that sexual intercourse without consent can be justified. It is even more shocking taking into account that the number of rapes has increased between 2008 and 2014 in the EU, according to Eurostat. For a quarter of Europeans, rape is justified when the victim is drunk or has used drugs, goes home voluntarily with someone, wears revealing clothing or does not clearly say “no”. The report concludes that there is a need for wider education. This is right but it stops really short. What kind of education? I think it is important to focus on sexual and behavioral education of men.
Most men and boys – but not all – learn from family and friends that sexual intercourse should never take place if a woman says no. As a young adult I was struck by the film “The Accused”, in which Jodie Foster exhibits most of the “justifications” for rape that are mentioned by Eurobarometer’s respondents: she drinks, she does dances, and flirts with a man. The lesson of this film is that when she is assaulted, she says “no”. Because of that “no”, all three defendants are found guilty of criminal solicitation. There is absolutely no justification for raping a woman and hearing “no” sets a boundary not to be crossed.
I have nothing against “wider” education but I also believe in behavioral education that allows each one of us to personally feel what violence is and where it starts. I don’t know if films will change anything for those who think that rape can be justified, but at least they are relatable and realistic in understanding boundaries and respect. Our members such are European Women’s Lobby (EWL), Transgender Europe (TGEU), International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF-EN) and the European region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA-Europe) are working actively to fight gender-based violence, but the burden to end it must not fall on victims. Most perpetrators are men, like me, and it is us who need to continue to change our behaviour.
Let’s engage!
Pierre Baussand, Director
