Info Drop: G*ape Culture

Let’s talk about it — safely and honestly.

G*rape culture is a term that describes how society often minimizes, excuses, or even normalizes sexual violence. It’s not always loud or obvious, sometimes, it’s hidden in a joke, a headline, or the silence that follows when something clearly wasn’t okay.

What is g*rape culture?

G*rape culture refers to a set of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that make sexual violence seem acceptable, inevitable, or the fault of the victim.

It’s when the focus shifts away from the harm and toward excusing the person who caused it.

This culture shows up in:

Language that blames the victim (“Why were they drinking?”)

Media that romanticizes power imbalances

Dress codes that shame girls instead of teaching respect

Excuses like “boys will be boys”

The result?

Survivors are doubted or dismissed, and harmful behavior gets repeated.

SIGNS OF G*RAPE CULTURE IN THE REAL WORLD:

• Jokes about assault or non-consensual sex

• Comments on how someone “should’ve known better”

• Media that shows persistence as romantic even after a “no”

• Blaming clothing, alcohol, or personality for someone else’s actions

• Schools punishing girls’ outfits instead of teaching consent

• Friends or peers defending someone with “They’re a good guy”

These small actions send a loud message: that comfort, safety, and consent are negotiable. They’re not.

Why it matters!

Culture shapes everything — what we believe, what we tolerate, what we laugh at, and who we listen to. If we normalize ignoring boundaries, we silence survivors. If we teach people that consent is blurry, we’re not protecting anyone, we’re enabling harm. G*rape culture isn’t just “out there.” It’s in our schools, group chats, shows, policies, and expectations. And because of that, it takes everyone to shift it.

What can we do?

• Believe survivors.

• Don’t ask what they were wearing or if they were “sure.” Just listen.

• Challenge harmful language.

• Speak up when people joke about consent or blame victims.

• Talk about real consent: Clear, enthusiastic, ongoing. No pressure. No guilt. No silence.

• Be critical of the media.

• If a storyline makes you feel uncomfortable, there’s probably a reason.

• Support education.

• Advocate for consent-based sex ed that actually prepares people for real relationships.

• Stop letting “nice” protect people.

Being kind doesn’t cancel out harmful behavior. We can hold people accountable and want them to grow.

Remember this:

G*rape culture doesn’t change overnight, but it does change when we name it, call it out, and refuse to pass it on.

Follow along on Instagram @powher.co for more real information, shared stories, and tools that support your power. 🩷

Let’s keep the conversation going.

Let’s make safety the standard.

Let’s believe in a world where respect isn’t optional.

With care,

POWHER.co