Exploring the historical and cultural roots of sexual violence as a weapon of dominance

Rape is a violent crime that transcends individual assault; it is an expression of dominance deeply rooted in historical, social, and cultural contexts. Throughout history, rape has been utilized not only as an act of physical violence but also as a tool of psychological warfare, power assertion, and social control. The underlying cause of rape is often found in a mindset steeped in patriarchal notions of power and control, where women’s bodies become the battleground for men to assert their dominance, humiliate their adversaries, and dismantle social and familial honour.

Rape as a Tool of Power in Conflicts and Wars

Throughout history, rape has been a recurrent weapon in war, wielded to break the spirit of communities, assert power, and establish dominance over the conquered. In ancient and modern warfare alike, rape has been systematically used by military forces as a form of psychological warfare. The intent is not only to terrorize the civilian population but also to demonstrate absolute control over the defeated. In these contexts, the bodies of women become territories to be conquered, symbols of the enemy’s vulnerability and humiliation.

During the First and Second World Wars, for instance, rape was used strategically by various military forces to demoralize the enemy and break down social cohesion. In the aftermath of these wars, many survivors of sexual violence were left to cope with the trauma and stigma in societies that often chose to ignore or minimize their suffering. The act of rape in these contexts served to reinforce the power dynamics between the victor and the vanquished, highlighting the use of sexual violence as a tool for dominance and control.

This phenomenon is not confined to the past. In many modern-day conflict zones, such as Bosnia in the 1990s, Rwanda during the 1994 genocide, and more recently in the Democratic Republic of Congo, rape has been weaponized to destroy communities from within. In these conflicts, sexual violence is not random; rather, it is a deliberate strategy used by dominant groups to assert control, break community morale, and humiliate the enemy. In many cases, women who were raped during these conflicts faced ostracism and rejection from their communities, further compounding the violence inflicted upon them.

Communal Violence and the Instrumentalization of Rape

Beyond the context of war, rape is often used as a tool in instances of communal violence, where it serves as a weapon to inflict pain and suffering on rival communities. In such cases, rape transcends the personal violation of an individual and becomes a means to “break” the collective spirit of an entire community. The intention is to tarnish the “honour” of the community by attacking its women, who are often seen as the bearers of cultural and familial pride.

During the Partition of India in 1947, for example, thousands of women were abducted, raped, and mutilated by men from opposing religious communities. This violence was not merely about harming individual women but was aimed at sending a message to the community: “We have desecrated your honour”. The sexual violence that took place during the Partition became a method to reinforce dominance and instill fear, reminding all parties involved of the depths of violence that can be reached when hatred is allowed to fester.

Similarly, in the 2002 Gujarat riots in India, rape was used to further communal agendas. Women were specifically targeted as a means of humiliating the opposing community and asserting religious or ethnic dominance. In these instances, the bodies of women became symbols of the community’s “honour”, and their violation served as a method of attacking that community’s core values and identity.

Rape as a Manifestation of Patriarchal Control

The use of rape as an expression of dominance is not limited to war and communal violence. In everyday contexts, rape is deeply embedded in patriarchal structures that see men using sexual violence to assert their masculinity and power over women. The act of rape becomes a manifestation of control, a declaration of dominance, and a reaffirmation of the power imbalance perpetuated by patriarchy.

This mindset is often normalized in popular culture, particularly in cinema and media. For example, in many Bollywood films, rape is often depicted as a crime that impacts a woman’s “izzat” or honour, rather than focusing on the brutality of the act itself. The rapist may be portrayed as powerful or even heroic, with their actions glorified or trivialized. Such representations serve to normalize and justify the act of rape, reinforcing the dangerous notion that women’s worth is tied to their sexual purity or virginity.

Moreover, the glorification of male dominance is often evident in casual conversations among men. Statements like, “I slept with her and then left her,” reflect a mindset that sees women as objects to be used and discarded, rather than as individuals with their own agency and autonomy. In these contexts, the act of having sex is framed not as a mutual engagement, but as a conquest, a trophy to be flaunted among peers, further perpetuating the patriarchal norms that underlie sexual violence.

The Social Construction of ‘Honor’ and Its Consequences

Central to the use of rape as a tool of dominance is the socially constructed concept of “honour”, which is often closely tied to the control of female sexuality. In many cultures, a woman’s “honour” is seen as synonymous with her sexual purity, and it becomes the responsibility of her male relatives to “protect” this honour. Consequently, rape is not just perceived as an attack on the woman but also as an assault on the entire family’s or community’s reputation.

This distorted view creates a context where women are reduced to symbols of honour, and any violation of their bodies is seen as a stain on the family’s or community’s respect. It is this very notion that drives men to use rape as a weapon to undermine the enemy’s honour in conflicts or to “punish” the family or community of the woman for perceived slights or transgressions.

Furthermore, the association of a woman’s worth with her sexual purity often leads to victim-blaming, where the survivor of rape is held responsible for her own assault. Families may discourage survivors from reporting the crime, fearing social ostracism and a loss of “respect.” This stigma silences countless women, further emboldening perpetrators and perpetuating a cycle of violence and impunity.

Deconstructing the Myths and Challenging the Mindset

To combat the pervasive use of rape as a tool of power, it is crucial to challenge the deeply entrenched myths and mindsets that normalize and perpetuate sexual violence. This involves a multi-pronged approach that addresses the roots of patriarchal control, confronts the distorted notions of honour, and reframes societal attitudes toward rape.

1. Reforming Cultural Narratives

Society must confront and reform cultural narratives that perpetuate rape myths. Media, especially cinema and television, plays a vital role in shaping public perception. It is imperative to move away from the glorification of sexual violence and instead highlight the trauma faced by survivors. Films, books, and other media should depict rape not as a loss of “honour” but as a severe violation of human rights, focusing on the need for justice and empathy for survivors.

2. Educational Interventions

Education is a powerful tool for dismantling harmful mindsets. Comprehensive sex education that includes discussions on consent, respect, and healthy relationships should be incorporated into school curricula. Such programs should challenge patriarchal ideas of masculinity that associate dominance and aggression with power, encouraging young boys to value empathy, equality, and mutual respect.

3. Legal Reforms and Accountability

Legal frameworks must be strengthened to ensure swift justice for survivors of rape. This includes establishing specialized units like the proposed National Women Safety Against Severe Crimes Unit in India, equipped with advanced technology and resources to identify and punish perpetrators promptly. A robust legal response not only deters potential offenders but also sends a clear message that society does not tolerate sexual violence.

4. Empowerment of Women and Community Support

Empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and legal rights can reduce their vulnerability to sexual violence. Additionally, creating a supportive environment for survivors, where they are encouraged to speak out without fear of stigma, can help break the cycle of silence and impunity. Community-led initiatives that foster awareness and support for survivors are essential in creating a culture that condemns violence and promotes justice.

5. Redefining ‘Honor’ and Shifting Focus

It is crucial to redefine societal notions of “honour” to detach it from a woman’s sexuality. The focus must shift from protecting the so-called “honour” of a family or community to safeguarding the rights and dignity of individuals. Rape should be recognized for what it is: a grave violation of human rights, not a matter of “lost honour.”

Rape, as an expression of dominance, is a profound violation of human dignity, driven by a mindset that dehumanizes women and sees them as mere objects to be controlled, conquered, or humiliated. This mindset is perpetuated by cultural narratives, social constructions of honour, and patriarchal power structures that normalize and justify violence. To eradicate the weaponization of rape, society must confront these narratives, challenge the patriarchal notions that sustain them, and work collectively to build a world where respect, equality, and human dignity are paramount. Only then can we hope to put an end to this pervasive form of violence that has plagued humanity for far too long.

References

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• Seifert, R. (1994). War and rape: A preliminary analysis. In A. Stiglmayer (Ed.), Mass rape: The war against women in Bosnia-Herzegovina (pp. 54-72). University of Nebraska Press.
• Tharoor, S. (2018). Inglorious Empire: What the British did and why they should be angry. Penguin Books.
• United Nations Security Council. (2008). Resolution 1820 (2008): Rape as a weapon of war and genocide. United Nations

The writer has a PhD in Political Science and has worked in the Parliament of India

farooqmajeed19@gmail

Farooq Ahmad Bakloo