Table of contents:
- Rape does not always involve violence
- The human body is designed to respond to stimuli
- Sexual stimulation during sexual assault is a self-defense mechanism
"Orgasm can occur only after consensual sexual intercourse." This mindset is not always right. Although rare, victims of sexual violence can experience sexual arousal and orgasm from the abuse they experienced.
A 2004 report published in the Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine found that of the total reported cases of rape, 4-5% of victims described an orgasmic experience. But the actual number is probably much higher. One study, quoted from Pop Sci, estimates that there are 10% to more than 50% of rape victims who share similar experiences.
How can rape victims, especially violent ones, have orgasms? Shouldn't the body be able to act defensively to resist external threats? So, does the orgasmic experience of a sexual assault victim mean that their body unconsciously "agrees" with the horrific experience, making rape an act of consensual sex?
Rape does not always involve violence
Sexual violence is not the same experience for everyone. The media often portrays victims of sexual harassment as grappling with perpetrators, which reinforces the notion that unless victims actually put up a staunch and desperate resistance, they are not really rejecting sexual relations.
Rape does not always take the form of coercion or actual physical violence. Some perpetrators of sexual violence are the legal partners of their victims. Some victims are in certain situations that require them to give up in order to protect themselves or their loved ones. Many of them are children. Some of the victims were sedated, drunk until they lost consciousness, were physically or mentally paralyzed, were people with physical or mental disabilities, or were in a powerless position. Rape is also not only about penetration of the genitals.
Rape and sexual arousal can occur simultaneously, and one thing does not negate the other. This is the reason.
The human body is designed to respond to stimuli
Our bodies are basically designed in such a way as to react to stimuli, be they touch or pressure. Stimulation cannot always be controlled. Human genitals are very sensitive - as well as the area around the anus - but we can also be very sensitive when touched on other parts of the body outside the intimate area that is always associated with sexual arousal, which we never thought before.
Most of us have experienced unwanted or intentional arousal. For example, the vibrations from riding a public bus or while picking up a purring cat. Perhaps, the more common comparison is curses. Tickling can be a pleasant experience. However, when done against the person's will, it can be uncomfortable. As long as she experiences crouching, despite her cries for help and stopping, she will continue to laugh with amusement. They cannot stem the reactions of these stimuli.
If sexual assault involves some form of anal touching or penetration, it is common for the body to respond by showing features of arousal, such as an erection and / or ejaculation, or a wet vagina. Mindfulness is also not required for orgasm. Both men and women can experience orgasm while sleeping. This is because your sexual organs and hot spots for stimulation do not have a brain. The body automatically responds to stimulation in a tailored way from the signals sent by the nerve end groups in the stimulated area.
Apart from physical stimulation, stimulation can also respond to fear. Physical features of fear and arousal are very similar, such as increased heart rate, rapid and shallow breathing, as well as increased alertness. The combination of fear, arousal, and physical touch can confuse the body's reactions.
Sexual stimulation during sexual assault is a self-defense mechanism
The reaction to arousal and orgasm during rape is a reflex response, something that is uncontrollable and in no way means that the victim is enjoying it — it's a matter of protection. Based on reports from two scientists, Suschinsky and Lalumiere, quoted from Bust, the stimulation reaction of a woman during a sexual assault, for example a wet vagina, is an automatic self-defense mechanism to protect the body from genital injuries that can result from sex (both consensual- like or compulsion), such as pain and tearing, regardless of the individual's level of enthusiasm or approval.
Sexual arousal is processed in the autonomic nervous system - the same reflex system that underlies heart rate, digestion and sweat. During sexual stimulation, a region in the brain behind the left eye (lateral orbitofrontal cortex), responsible for logical reasoning and behavior control, becomes inactive. As a result, the body cannot tell which touch is threatening and which is loving. This is also where the response system is located fight-or-flight, a physical response that occurs when the body feels fear of a real threat to its safety.
In one study involving adult male participants, anxiety arising from electric shocks showed an increased erectile response to stimulating sexual images, resulting in "displacement of excitement". That is, the study subjects did not enjoy the electric shock they received, but the body reacted to the threat of pain, which was channeled into physical symptoms.
In other words, mental and physical factors and human sexuality often go hand in hand and in agreement - but not always. Passion and orgasm can occur during acts of rape or other sexual violence. Maybe a lot more often than we know. This is not a sign of guilt or pleasure. Nor does it mean that the victim enjoyed or got any satisfaction from the atrocity. This is a sign that our body reacts naturally to threats and dangers, such as when a chill goose or a racing heart when scared or startled. We react, and then we try to recover.
