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RapeLay

In solidarity with victims please do not play rape games.

Computer games like Rape-lay which depict and reward rape and are growing in number.

It is difficult to block these games being shared as most are shared through decentralised peer-to-peer networks. While some people argue that, while offensive, these games do not harm anyone, the reverse is true. Yes, people are capable of playing violent games without committing violence in real life.

These games harm people because their very existence promotes and normalises misogynistic attitudes and stereotypes regarding women.

A recent White Ribbon Foundation study shows that one in seven teenage boys thinks that it is ‘ok’ to hold a girl down and force her to have sex if she has flirted or in any way ‘led him on’.

These attitudes are disturbing and games like Rape-lay perpetuate such attitudes and belief systems.

Rape is an incredibly traumatic, personal experience. Those who experience sexual violence can experience all manner of feelings from embarrassment, shock, disbelief, a sense of powerlessness, depression, guilt, disorientation, dissociation, denial, fear and anger.

Short and long term symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, self blame, self harming, eating disorders and, in some cases, suicide.

Rape is a very serious crime.

To have it trivialised or celebrated as a form of entertainment is an insult to survivors of sexual assault everywhere. It is a reminder that we live in a world where there is still a cultural tolerance and acceptance of rape.