1. The Rape Crisis Center

2. •Toexplain the dynamics of sexual and
gender-based violence in the media
•To gain a better understanding of rape
culture
•Tounderstand the need for media literacy
education

3. SOCIETY
COMMUNITY
RELATIONSHIPS
INDIVIDUAL

4.  Always “connected”
o Television
o Cell phones
o Social Networking Sites
o Texting
o You Tube
 Increases sources for violence
o Cyber bullying/Virtual Violence
o Harassment
o Sending pictures and video (Sexting)
o Representation of gender-based violence
in the media sustains a rape culture

5.  Increasing violence
 Overt and “in your face”
 Sadistic/ Sexual Aggression
 Gender Stereotypes
 Catered to hetero-male fantasies
 Promote male-dominance
 Female Objectification
 Normalization of violent behavior

6.  Daily Exposure
o Music (downloading)
o TV (4 to 6 hours)
o Movies
o Video Games
 Unhealthy Relationships
 Pornographic Imagination
 Promotes rape culture

7. Rape Culture is an environment in which
rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence
against women is normalized and excused in
the media and popular culture. Rape culture
is perpetuated through the use of
misogynistic language, the objectification of
women’s bodies, and the glamorization of
sexual violence, thereby creating a society
that disregards women’s rights and safety
(Marshall University, 2010)

9. Ethical treatment for animals at the expense of women??

12.  Incidents of violence against women
and teenage girls are increasing on
television at rates that far exceed the
overall increases in violence on
television.
 Violence, irrespective of gender, on
television increased only 2% from 2004
to 2009, while incidents of violence
against women increased 120% during
that same period
(Parents Television Council, 2009)

13.  The most frequent type of violence
against women on television was
beating (29%), followed by credible
threats of violence (18%), shooting
(11%), rape (8%), stabbing (6%), and
torture (2%). Violence against women
resulted in death 19% of the time
 From 2004 to 2009 there was an 81%
increase in incidences of intimate
partner violence on television.
(Parents Television Council, 2009)

14.  Fox stood out for using violence against women as a
punch line in its comedies -- in particular Family Guy and
American Dad -- trivializing the gravity of the issue of
violence against women.

15. It is unreasonable to expect that
people will change their behavior
easily when so may forces in the
social, cultural, and physical
environment conspire against
such change.
(Institute of Medicine, 2001, p.4)

16.  Can’t control media, but can control what we
consume
 Use media for teaching moments & education
◦ Social Networking
◦ You Tube
◦ Webinars
◦ Blogs
◦ Podcasts
 Utilize existing resources (e.g.;
www.preventconnect.org)

17. The Rape Crisis Center
Elena Espinoza, Director of Client Services
and Programs
elena@therapecrisiscenter.org
Genese Jones, Prevention Programs Manager
genese@therapecrisiscenter.org
702-385-2153- Office
24 Hour Hotline:
1-888-866-1640