Press Review

CALACS is sometimes called upon to inform, raise awareness, and fight against sexual assaults.

CALACS believes it is important to talk about sexual assaults in the media in order to raise awareness, inform, but also to have an impact on society with the goal of bringing about change.

 

Recent Publications

In this section, you can view some recent publications about CALACS in the media.

Revue de presse 2023-2024 Revue de presse 2022-2023 Revue de presse 2021-2022

A Social Issue

Sexual assaults are a social issue…

…because they have consequences that affect not only the private lives of victims, but also those around them.

It’s a misconception to believe that only victims suffer the consequences of the assault they endured. In reality, those close to the victims can also experience consequences. Feelings of powerlessness, misunderstanding, guilt, shame, and failure in the role of protector are just some of the consequences that loved ones report experiencing during counseling sessions.

But it’s not just the loved ones who can be affected by the event. Many victims lose their jobs because they can no longer perform effectively due to, for example, flashbacks, sleep disorders, hypervigilance, and more. Some even go on sick leave, which impacts their work environment.

The social lives of these women are also impacted. Many isolate themselves after an assault. They stop participating in social activities with friends and family, as well as with the community. Some cannot even perform daily tasks, like going grocery shopping, cleaning, or checking the mailbox, because they fear encountering their assailant or are afraid to leave their homes. Additionally, many develop a fear of crowded places, worrying they won’t be able to escape quickly if needed.

On an economic level, many women experience hospitalizations and take medication to manage the effects of the assault on their bodies and daily lives. Numerous medical visits and other professional services are required to return to a “normal” life. All of this incurs costs, not only for the victim but for society as well.

…because they keep all women in society living in fear of being assaulted.

Women are often told to protect themselves, that the threat is always close. Many are afraid to walk alone at night because they are told it’s dangerous. Others are encouraged to buy protective items or to always watch their drinks because they could be assaulted.

These statements have serious consequences. Women internalize these warnings and often follow them out of fear that the situation could happen to them. As a result, their freedom is compromised.

…because sexual assaults are part of the broader problem of violence against women.

We often separate domestic/family violence from sexual violence. However, many women who experience domestic or family violence also suffer from sexual violence. In fact, one in nine women in a relationship will experience sexual assault during that relationship. These statistics are not to be overlooked. Just like domestic violence, sexual violence is not about seeking personal satisfaction for the aggressor but about asserting power over the victim.

On a societal level, violence manifests on multiple fronts. In the media, the rape culture suggests it is acceptable to rape a woman and that she might even enjoy it. Pornography is often violent, with scenarios that depict women as submissive. Consent is not sought from the woman, implying she agrees to everything she is asked to do. Let’s remember that this is not reality. Advertisements promoting sexuality to sell products, video games depicting women being mistreated, raped, beaten, etc., all contribute to women lowering their thresholds for accepting violence, leading to greater victimization.

…because it is a problem that stems directly from the unequal power relations between the sexes that have been perpetuated throughout history.

Throughout history, men have been portrayed as strong and brave, while women have been seen as weak and fearful. In our society, there is a persistent belief that men must protect women, that it is their role. We constantly remind women and girls to protect themselves and never put themselves in danger, while encouraging boys and men to take risks, face challenges, and go after what they want.

Women are perceived as fragile, unable to defend themselves, and in need of a man to take care of them. Unfortunately, these values continue to be passed on to our children and influence how they perceive danger as they grow up.

We raise our children in this way because we have internalized the values of our parents. Yet, this perpetuates male domination over women.

Let’s remember that it wasn’t until 1930 that women were recognized as “persons” under the law and granted legal rights (Government of Canada, 2017). Many women have fought for their rights throughout history, allowing women to become more independent. Before that, women were entirely dependent on their husbands and were expected to fulfill their marital duties, including sexual satisfaction, which, in fact, constitutes sexual assault. Fortunately, the concept of conjugal duty regarding sex is no longer part of the Criminal Code and now constitutes sexual assault if one of the partners does not consent.

…because the phenomenon is perpetuated by false beliefs spread among the public, which seek to blame victims and absolve perpetrators.

Beliefs that what a person wears, how they behave, what they say, or what they do could provoke sexual assault are completely false.

In reality, it is much easier for society to claim that the victim didn’t really experience sexual assault or that she “asked for it” than to accept that someone in our circle could commit such an act. These reactions and victim-blaming comments have a huge impact on the victim, particularly in terms of fostering shame and guilt regarding the event.

However, it is NEVER the victim’s fault when a sexual assault occurs. It is ALWAYS the fault of the perpetrator.

Myths and Prejudices

Here are some commonly heard phrases or ways of thinking. Now is the time to set the record straight!

 

Myths and Prejudices

Here are some commonly heard phrases or ways of thinking. Now is the time to set the record straight!

Myth: Women who are sexually assaulted “asked for it” by the way they dress or behave. Rape only happens to provocative and easy women.

Fact: No woman “asks” to be sexually assaulted, nor does she deserve it. Regardless of what she wears, where she goes, her reputation, background, or who she talks to, when she says “no,” it means “no.” Moreover, any woman can be sexually assaulted, regardless of her age, body type, or how she dresses. Women have the right to invite a man into their home without him believing he has the right to assault them. Both men and women enjoy pleasing others, and that’s normal. But that does not mean women want to be assaulted.

 

Myth: Most of the time, women file false, unjustified, or revenge-driven complaints.

Fact: Women rarely file false reports of sexual assault. In fact, sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes. According to Statistics Canada, only 5% of all sexual assaults are reported to the police.

 

Myth: Ignoring sexual harassment will make it stop.

Fact: Failing to respond to harassment actually worsens the situation, as the perpetrator may believe the woman approves, hesitates, or is too afraid to refuse. It’s crucial to express clear non-consent. The perpetrator does not expect the victim to resist.

 

Myth: Sexual assaults are most often committed by strangers.

Fact: Women and children are at high risk of sexual assault by men they know. According to studies (National Institute of Public Health of Quebec, 2022), more than 8 out of 10 victims know their assailant. These sexual assaults are crimes just like those committed by strangers.

 

Myth: Men who sexually assault women have mental health issues, uncontrollable sexual urges, or are sexually deprived.

Fact: Research on the profile of rapists indicates that they appear “ordinary” and “normal.” They assault women to assert control and power over them. 97% of assailants are considered “normal.” Men capable of sexual assault come from all age groups and socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds and have frequent sexual activity. Anyone is capable of controlling their actions and should engage in sexual activities without violence or coercion.

 

Myth: Women in relationships cannot experience sexual assault by their partner.

Fact: One in nine women will experience sexual assault within their relationship. It is false to believe that consent is “already assumed” because they are in a relationship. Consent must ALWAYS be checked, even if you’ve been together for years.