Implicit Bias in Intimate Assault
We’ve all read it or heard it before: “He/she was asking for it.” “Did you see the way he/she was dressed? He/she probably desrved it.” “Maybe he/she shouldn’t have looked at him/her that way.” “They’ve done it before.” “They’re married.” These are just a few of the ways our society justifies intimate ssault. We don’t like to look at ugly situations involving intimate assault and will look for any excuse to ignore these types of behavior. What some call “justification,” I call “implicit bias” or more candidly “bullsh*t.”
Looking at the way a man or woman dresses, behaves, gestures, walks, dances, laughs, or performs any activity is never a justification to commit any type of intimate assault. Implicit bias describes exactly this mindset. People have preconceived notions about certain situations or people which often turn out to be invalid. Combining implicit bias and intimate assault can lead down a dark and dangerous path.
Partners in dedicated relationships or marriages aren’t entitled to anything. They aren’t allowed to assume any sexual activity is available to them at any time. Simply because a partner didn’t say “no” doesn’t mean that they said yes. Silence is not consent.
As a society, we need to tackle this issue head on rather than looking the other way when we see something we don’t want to see. We need to foster a safe environment for victims of intimate assault to come forward and feel as if they can receive the help they need. When they do come forward, we need to support them and bring the light of justice to the situation. And most importantly, when the truth surfaces, we need to support the victims of this terribly overlooked crime while helping them get back on their feet and on their way to helping others.
