Deliver Us From Evil: The Faceless Rapist

It is an undeniable fact that harmful attitudes and behaviors towards rape and sexual violence are often overlooked or even accepted in our culture. Many of us know that these acts are wrong yet too few of us take responsibility for addressing the issue. The rise of mass media and the widespread accessibility of stories of sexual violence have not desensitized us; rather, we are overwhelmed. The weight of the issue, its pervasiveness, and its complexity make it easier to turn away than to face it head-on.

Despite extensive awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts, the critical question remains: why is rape still an issue? The answer lies in the deeply embedded systemic issues—cultural norms, religious beliefs, societal practices, and institutional failures—that sustain an environment where sexual violence persists. These elements do not condone rape, but they often create a climate of justification that prevents true accountability.

The psychology behind rape often stems from entitlement, power, and control. Individuals who commit such acts are not only perpetrators of violence but also products of a society that has allowed harmful beliefs and behaviors to fester unchecked. They are not beyond help—they are sick individuals in need of treatment and intervention.

The normalization of rape culture shapes society and leaves a lasting legacy of trauma. If we are to progress toward a just and accountable society, we must confront the stigma surrounding sexual violence and challenge the narratives that perpetuate it. We must scrutinize the objectification of women, the use of misogynistic language, and the glamorization of sexual violence in media and everyday interactions.

In popular media, we are seeing an increasing trend of callously addressing the topic of rape for views or even laughter. This exploitation of trauma drew widespread criticism from feminist media across Ethiopia. Such actions highlight how pop culture can inadvertently aid in sustaining rape culture by sensationalizing serious issues rather than fostering meaningful dialogue.

The harsh reality is that women and girls in Ethiopia face not only a culture that perpetuates sexual violence but also the devastating vulnerability of being targeted in multiple conflicts where rape is systematically used as a weapon of war. 

This was further exposed by Amnesty International’s reports on the recent war in Tigray. Women were subjected to rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, and other atrocities, leading to profound physical and psychological trauma. Some local churches in the region sought to ‘cleanse’ victims of rape, coercing them to take the blame, which raises urgent questions about societal attitudes and the tendency to stigmatize survivors instead of supporting them.

But what does a rapist look like? Is it a fictional character, like the boogeyman, lurking in the shadows? Or a distant figure, living far from the heart of society? The uncomfortable truth is that rapists are among us—raised within our communities, shaped by the same societal influences we all share. This reality compels us to ask: why are we avoiding this issue?

We must face an unsettling truth: by tolerating silence and inaction, we all play a role in perpetuating the cycle of sexual violence. Whether through indifference, fear, or discomfort, our collective hesitation strips survivors of their dignity, safety, and autonomy.

So, as responsible leaders, what do we need to do? The burden of sexual violence is not just physical but also deeply psychological. It affects everyone, directly or indirectly. We cannot afford to remain passive observers. We must ask ourselves: how can we be part of the solution? How do we create a conducive environment where rape survivors feel supported? How can we create a society that refuses to turn a blind eye?

AWiB invites you to a World Café experience, where we will engage in meaningful conversations to explore actionable solutions, challenge the status quo, and create lasting change. Let us come together to confront the uncomfortable, to question our roles in the fight against rape culture, and to work toward a future where accountability and justice prevail.

Or Reserve by texting your name and “Faceless” @ 0947350259

Facilitator

SPONSORS

Emerge Package