In Russia, rape is a crime that carries a penalty of three to six years in most cases, but it is difficult to pursue and get a conviction. According to statistics from the Crisis Center for Women in St. Petersburg, up to 70% of women who have been raped go to the police, but only 10% of the accusations result in charges. As a result, it is estimated that only 1% of men who commit these acts receive criminal punishment.
Similar proverbs exist in multiple cultures across the globe.
“You only hurt the ones you love.”
Saying something mean and hurtful when in a heated argument is still a stratosphere away from the crime, pain and trauma of rape.
Not only that, but we teach them to children from infancy (“he’s only mean to you because he likes you!”).
It’s quite disturbing how pervasive, and harmful, these ideas are, throughout all patriarchal societies.