#RUReferenceList: Shifting the shame to rape perpetrators

Students at Rhodes University in South Africa are protesting against the pervasive rape culture at the college, in a campaign which is receiving widespread support. There have been numerous messages of solidarity posted on social media on publication of the #RUReferenceList which names the alleged rapists at Rhodes University.

While the publication of the alleged rapists has remained contentious, the objective to name perpetrators to shift the shame and humiliation from victims of sexual assault to perpetrators has been widely applauded.

Rape is one of South Africa’s enduring problems and the rate of sexual violence is among the highest in the world.

According to anti-rape lobby group, Rape Crisis, crime statistics released last year indicate that in 2014/2015 there were a total of 53 617 sexual offences reported to the South African Police Services, which translates into 147 cases per day.

However, considering that many incidents go unreported; Rape Crisis notes that some studies estimate that if all rapes were reported, the figures could be as high 482 000 in South Africa, which translate to 1,320 cases per day.

There are many reasons why incidents of rape go unreported, which tacitly perpetuates the scourge. However, the #RUReferenceList and ensuing protest is changing that and, “Little by little, day by day women are finding their strength and speaking out in ways that inspire us to be  brave. ‪#RUReferenceList” @sivusiwisa.

Victims are always responsible for thinking of the futures and livelihoods of rapists, somehow. #RUReferenceList

— Nanana Rathabe (@NthabiWabi) April 17, 2016

https://twitter.com/Khanyi_T_/status/721820257502044161

The #RUReferenceList which names the alleged rapists at Rhodes University essentially encourages breaking this culture of silence, where rape victims suffer in silence while the perpetrator walk scot free. Following publication of the list, students have been holding protests, with a list of demands, chief among them changing the current policy around sexual assault charges.

Read: The full list of demands

Part of the reason why some rape cases are not reported is the stigma and personal humiliation of being exposed as a victim and the #RUReferenceList exposes the alleged victims in an attempt to shift the shame and humiliation to rape perpetrators.

Solidarity messages posted on social media:

What's happening at rhodes should happen everywhere, let the rapists feel the shame not the survivers #RUReferenceList

— Khaya (@Nomelikhaya_) April 17, 2016

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Yes!i am in solidarity with the students at eRhini university who fight to put an end to violence against women's bodies✊🏾 #RUreferencelist

— Daughter of the Soil (@thandiswamazwai) April 18, 2016

https://twitter.com/Reagoikanya/status/721872582740418560

Powerful. Revolutionary. Brave. Necessary. All I have are adjectives to describe this
—> #RUReferenceList !!!

— Thembisa Liyema Nxumalo (@tembisa) April 17, 2016

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https://twitter.com/sivusiwisa/status/721834238581075968

https://twitter.com/TeaJay_001/status/721829775778693121

https://twitter.com/JBokete/status/721832196617670656

All my love and strength to the survivors of the #RUReferenceList. You're plight is not ignored. Your pain is not invisible. You are heard.

— Zamalisa (@Zamalisa) April 17, 2016

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Source: Activate