How it’s created

Eichele believes that there are deeply rooted thought processes that need to change in order to fight rape culture.

“Instead of teaching young men or older men how to respect women, [rape culture] simply validates that men continue to view women as objects in a demeaning fashion,” Eichele said.

Eichele added that in addition to the glorification of rape culture in the media, an idea called “victim blaming” is inherent to the life of rape culture.

“We also pay attention to when people say it’s the woman’s fault – we call that victim blaming. I just read an article about dress codes – too tight of pants or not being able to wear dresses without straps to prom – that’s our society perpetuating victim blaming,” Eichele said.

The Aurora Center maintains that, “Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. The blame lies with the person who chose to hurt you.”

Questioning what the victim was wearing, if the victim was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or whether the victim was “asking for it” are common examples of victim blaming.