Four reasons why gender inequality could make families of victims of sexual abuse not to report such cases to authorities

On this page, we discuss the four reasons why gender inequality could make families of victims of sexual abuse not to report such cases to authorities.

In the fiscal year of 2022/2023, South Africa faced a concerning reality regarding sexual offenses, a reflection of deeper societal issues that continue to plague communities across the nation. Nearly 53,900 South Africans bravely stepped forward to report being victims of a sexual crime, shining a light on the pervasive challenges within the country’s social fabric. Of these reports, a staggering 80 percent involved victims of rape, highlighting an alarming rate of this grievous offense. Furthermore, close to 7,600 South Africans disclosed experiences of sexual assault, underscoring a broad spectrum of sexual violence that affects individuals across various demographics. These figures not only offer a glimpse into the magnitude of the problem but also emphasize the critical need for comprehensive strategies to combat sexual offenses and support victims within the South African context.

However, these statistics represent just the tip of the iceberg, as many cases go unreported. The underreporting of sexual abuse is a complex issue, deeply intertwined with gender inequality—a persistent barrier that hinders victims and their families from seeking justice. Gender inequality manifests in various forms, influencing societal attitudes, cultural norms, and institutional practices, all of which can dissuade families from reporting sexual abuse to authorities. From the fear of not being taken seriously to the cultural stigma and shame, retaliation and safety concerns, and a distrust in the legal system, these factors collectively contribute to the silence that often surrounds victims of sexual crimes. As we delve into these reasons, it’s crucial to understand how they are rooted in the broader context of gender inequality, impacting the willingness and ability of families to come forward and seek help in the aftermath of such traumatic experiences.

1. Fear of Not Being Taken Seriously 🚫

In societies marked by gender inequality, there’s a pervasive concern among families that authorities might dismiss or minimize their claims of sexual abuse. This is particularly troubling when victims deviate from traditional gender roles, leading to a reluctance in reporting these incidents.

• Lesbian women and so-called “corrective rape”: There have been reports in South Africa of lesbian women being targets of what perpetrators term “corrective rape,” a heinous crime aimed at changing their sexual orientation. Victims and their families might hesitate to report these crimes, fearing that their concerns will not be taken seriously due to prevailing homophobic attitudes and gender stereotypes.
• Men and boys as victims: Male victims of sexual abuse might not come forward due to the societal myth that men cannot be victims of such crimes, fueled by rigid gender roles that associate masculinity with strength and invulnerability.
• Transgender and non-binary individuals: Transgender and non-binary South Africans might avoid reporting sexual abuse due to a lack of trust in the police’s understanding and respect for their gender identity, fearing their experiences will be dismissed or not taken seriously.

2. Cultural Stigma and Shame 😔

Stigma and shame associated with sexual abuse can be exacerbated by gender stereotypes, causing families to fear ostracization or blame. This societal pressure can deter them from coming forward, as the cultural implications of gender inequality deepen the silence around such abuse.

• Rural communities: In some South African rural areas, the shame associated with sexual abuse can be magnified by close-knit community ties, where preserving family honor can take precedence over seeking justice, discouraging families from reporting.
• Traditional beliefs: Some cultural or traditional beliefs may stigmatize victims instead of supporting them, making families wary of bringing “shame” to their kin by reporting sexual abuse.
• HIV/AIDS stigma: Given the high HIV/AIDS prevalence in South Africa, victims of sexual abuse might fear the added stigma of being perceived as HIV-positive, which can compound the reluctance to report abuse due to the intertwining stigmas of disease and sexual violence.

3. Retaliation and Safety Concerns ⚠️

Families often worry about retaliation from the abuser or their allies, especially in environments where power dynamics are skewed by gender inequality. Concerns for their safety and the victim’s well-being can prevent them from reporting the abuse, particularly if the perpetrator holds power or influence.

• Community leaders or authority figures as perpetrators: When the perpetrator is a respected community leader or holds a position of authority, families might fear community backlash or direct retaliation for challenging these individuals.
• Gang-dominated areas: In areas with a strong gang presence, reporting sexual abuse can expose the victim and their family to threats and violence from gang members, especially if the perpetrator is affiliated with these groups.
• Informal settlements: In informal settlements, where policing may be less effective, and community justice prevails, families might fear reporting sexual abuse due to the potential for violent community retaliation against them or the victim.

4. Distrust in the Legal System 🏛️

A deep-seated distrust in a legal system perceived as biased or inequitable, particularly regarding gender, can dissuade families from seeking justice. The fear of gender discrimination in the legal process, including the potential for the victim to be discredited or humiliated, acts as a significant barrier to reporting sexual abuse.

• Inefficiency and corruption: Perceptions of inefficiency, corruption, and indifference within the South African police service and judiciary can deter families from reporting sexual abuse, fearing that their cases will not be pursued diligently.
• Secondary victimization: The process of reporting sexual abuse and the subsequent legal proceedings can lead to secondary victimization, where victims feel re-traumatized by the lack of sensitivity and understanding from law enforcement and legal professionals.
• Historical injustices: The legacy of apartheid and ongoing racial inequalities can affect trust in state institutions, including the police and judicial system, especially among historically marginalized communities, making them less likely to report crimes, including sexual abuse.

These points underscore the urgent need for societal progress towards equality and support, ensuring that victims of sexual abuse and their families feel empowered to seek justice without fear of disbelief, stigma, or retaliation.