Highlights in the Anti-Rape Movement
Advancements and Setbacks for Sexual Assault Awareness
Sep 17, 2009
For the first half of the 20th century, rape charges were often dismissed. According to New Britain Sexual Assault Crisis Service's Counselor Advocate Training Manual, “[from 1900 to the 1930s], “marital violence and sexual assault were attributed to environmental stress, poor education or mental incompetence.” Later, during the 1940s and 1950s, rape was “due to mental disorders in its victims such as failure to accept their femininity, frigidity or masochism.” But starting in the 1960s, the feminist movement adopted the anti-rape movement as a cause. Here are some highlights from the 20th century:
1966
The National Organization of Women, or NOW is established. Three of their causes were women's liberation movement, anti-rape movement and the battered women's movement.
1971
The first rape crisis centers are established in the United States. Both Washington DC and the Bay Area now have centers.
1974
39 states now have active anti-rape projects. In addition, 61 percent of modern day rape crisis centers are established in 27 states.
1978
The government forms the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape, thus providing resources to survivors, as well as collecting data about the prevalence of sexual assault in the United States. Also in this year, the first case against a husband raping his wife is brought to court; what makes this case unique is that the husband is still living with his wife.
1979
Every state in the United States now has at least one rape crisis center.
1982
The term “date rape” is used for the first time in an article from Ms. Magazine.
1987
Rape laws are established in every state. These laws are greatly expanded from previous laws: defining rape, eliminating spousal exclusion and the need for a proof of the victim's resistance. In addition, rape shield laws are enacted, which partially prevents the victim's past history from being introduced into court.
1990
The United States government passes the Omnibus Crime Control Act, which requires college campuses to disclose crime statistics every year. However, the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape is also closed this year.
1992
The American Medical Association, or AMA, published practice guidelines regarding sexual assault and rape. In addition, In addition, the AMA recognized the effect of violence against women physically and mentally.
1998
The Violence Against Women Act is passed this year.
1999
A study performed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 15 percent of college women experience rape. In addition, there is no change in the rape rates on college campuses over the past 15 years.
Source: Counselor Advocate Training Manual
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