Why Women Cannottalkabout Sexual Assault or Harassment They Go Through?

Sexual Assault or Harassment 1
Why women cannottalkabout Sexual Assault or Harassment They Go Through?
Marufa Ahmed
English 105, Section 29
ID#1411132030
Dr. Shireen Huq (SnH)
December 12,2016
Acknowledgement
First and foremost I would like to thank my very eminent teacher of English, Dr. Shireen Huq
(SnH), without whom, it would have been merely impossible to understand the core concepts
required for this English course, and basically set forth into preparing for this paper. I would like
to express my utmost gratitude to all the respondents who gave their valuable time in filling up
the questionnaires which was an essential part in completing this paper. Lastly, I would like to
thank my family especially my siblings for constantly supporting me and helping me in every
way possible.
ABSTRACT
The main objective of my research paper is to find out, Why women cant speak freely about
sexual assault or harassment they go through? In my hypothesis it states that since we live in a
developing country where our societal norms and culture are different from other countries.
Women usually hesitates to speak out because they feel ashamed about the incident. They think
that their familys reputation will be at stake. Lack of support from family members, law
enforcements and the taunting from the society causes them from speaking out about it. I have
surveyed 30 respondents among which most of them agreed that pressure from the society keeps
them quite.Through this research I have tried to thoroughly uncover some of the reasons women
are not being able to speak out.
Table of Contents
Introduction 5
Research Questions..6
Hypothesis ...6
Methodology ...6
Findings and Analysis ......7
Summary of Research Findings.....19
Conclusion 20
Bibliography..28
INTRODUCTION
The term sexual assault refers to forceful physical contact without the consent of the victim.
Anyone could be victimized regardless of age and gender. It may often lead to child molestation,
incest or rape of the victim. Women also face verbal sexual harassment in their lifetime. This
includes unwelcome comments of a sexual nature, whistling, making obscene gestures, basically
what we know as eve teasing.
Women have always been the weakest target link for men. For centuries women have been
abused by men in the name of power. During the war time, the military groups gather together
and sexually assault innocent women. Women are often forced into prostitution or sexual
slavery. Some militants reward their soldiers by promoting pillaging and rape of the
civilians..Such genocidal rape took place during World War II and also duringBangladesh
Liberation War.
According to research done by the United Nations multi-country study on men and violence,
14.1% of men in rural Bangladesh and 9.5% of men in urban Bangladesh have forced a woman
to engage in sexual activities with them. 2.7% of men in rural Bangladesh and 0.5% in urban
Bangladesh had raped in the past year. Thats 6 in every 1200 people and the number is
increasing over the years. In rural Bangladesh, 47.4% of rapists perpetrated more than once,
3.7% had four or more victims, and 40% first raped as a teenager. 82% of rural Bangladeshi and
79% of urban Bangladeshi men cited entitlement as their reason for rape. 61.2% of urban
Availability of data on violence against women has increased significantly in recent years.
(Unwomen-asiapacific.org, 2013)
It occurs due to gender discrimination and humanized violation of a woman. The National
Center for Victims of Crime states
Sexual assault takes many forms including attacks such as rape or attempted rape, as well as
any unwanted sexual contact or threats. Usually a sexual assault occurs when someone touches
any part of another person's body in a sexual way, even through clothes, without that person's
consent.
(Sexual assault, 2016)

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
i) How does our society view it, when these types of assaults take place?
ii) To what extent the societal norms, rules and regulations prevent the women from coming
forward and sharing their experience?
iii) To what extent the victims get support from the society and law enforcements?
HYPOTHESIS
We live in such a world where our society tends to blame the victims mostly. No matter what the
issues are, women are the first person to get blamed. Women fear that if they share their
experience with the society they wont get their support and would rather get exploited for it.
Often the victims also tend to blame themselves due to being brought up in a society with such
way of thinking. They blame themselves as the society always points finger at woman. Talking
about the experience causes them more pain, thus they choose to keep quiet about it. Due to fear,
guilt and shame they choose not to share their experience. They feel that if they talk about it they
will lose their dignity and respect infront of the society. The society always looks down upon
women who have faced sexual exploitation.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
For my research, I first and foremost decided on the genre I would work on. Looked up for
relevant topic. Finally decided to do brainstorming. Jotted down list of things which I felt where
required to be in the research. Thought of question to back up my research. The survey will
represent a list of sampling questions of no less than 30 individuals from the general population.
The survey will help me to answer my research inquiries and test my hypothesis.
For my secondary research I plan to use articles, standard reference sources and database,
media and academic websites.
PRIMARY DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
Sexually exploited
31%
41%
In public
In private
Never experienced it
28%
1) According to my research 41% people were sexually exploited in public, whereas 28% faced
this situation in private and 31% people never experienced this kind of situation. Thus it can be
concluded that women are mostly harassed in public places
3, 10% 4, 13%
2, 7%
Home
Markets
6, 20%
Streets
Office
Others
15, 50%
2) According to my research 50% women mostly face harassment in streets, 20% in markets,
13% at homes,10% people provided reasons for choosing others and the rest 7% faces
harassment in the office.This incident takes place because streets are very busy places and it is
hard to track down the accused person.
Main cause of harassment

0%
10%
Dressing style of woman

Mentality of men in our society
Deprivation from physical needs
90%
3) From the above chart it can be seen that 90% people think that the main cause a woman get
harassed is due to the mentality of men in our society. Other 10% states their view that
deprivation from physical needs causes men to take this kind of rash step.
Women faces discrimination due to gender inequality
3%
7%
Strongly Agree
13%
Agree
47%
Neutral
Somewhat disgree
Strongly Disagree
30%
4) So, it can be deduced that 47% people I surveyed strongly agrees that women faces
discrimination due to gender inequality. Another 30% people agrees to it. Other 13% people
chose to be neutral. Rest 7% somewhat disagrees to it and 3% of them strongly disagrees to the
above statement.
Will the society come forward to help the victim from

getting assaulted in public?
14%
23% Most likely
Some of them
3% definitely
Never
60%
5) According to my research 60% people agreed that some of them will come forward to help the
victim from getting harassed in public. 23% people agreed that society will never come to help
out the victim this kind of situations. Other 14% think most likely there is a chance of getting
support from the society and the rest 3% only thinks that society will definitely come forward to
save the victim.
Victim should reach out to whom first?
Parents
38%
44% Friends
Siblings
Law Enforcements
9%
9%
6) According to my research when a women is sexually assaulted 44% people reach out to law
enforcements, 38% people reach out to their parents, 9% reach out to their friends and the rest
9% reach out to their siblings.
Should there be NGO's in Bangladesh regarding

0%
3%
10%
Yes, there should be
Maybe
No, they are not helpful
No, idea about Ngo's
87%
7) From the above pie chart we can see that 87% people I surveyed thinks that there should
NGOs regarding womens safety. 10% people thinks that maybe there should NGOs and other
3% thinks that NGOs should not be there since they are not that helpful.
Are women always blamed by the society for being

sexually assaulted?
3%
Sometimes
34%
Most of the time
Never
63%
8) According to my survey 62% says that most of the time a woman is blamed by our society for
being sexually assaulted. Other 34% share their opinion by saying sometimes the women get
blamed and the rest 3% thinks that women never gets blamed by our society.
Does society play a vital role in decision-making of a

victim?
13%
Society always supports the victim
7%
Society never supports the victim
43%
Society always blames the victim
Society tries to avoid this kind of

37%
situations
9) The above chart states that, does the society plays a vital role in decision-making of a victim
where 43%of majority people approves that society tries to avoid this kind of situations, 37%
people assures that society always blames the victim for being sexually assaulted, 17% people
thinks that society always supports the victim and 7% thinks that victims never get the support
they deserve from the society.
Who do you think are mostly harassed sexually?
6%
15%
Kids
30%
Teenagers
Middle-aged women
Older women
49%
10) According to my research people are mostly sexually harassed are 49% agrees that teenagers
mostly are victims to this. Another 30% agrees upon the fact that middle-aged women gets
harassed sexually. Other 15% agrees about kids and the rest 6% agrees that older women are
harassed sexually by men.
When a women is sexually assaulted who is to be

blamed?
16%
10% Men
Women
Both
74%
11) In the above pie chart we can conclude that people mainly blames men 74% of the time for
sexually assaulting a woman. Other 16% blames both men and women when a women is being
sexually assaulted and the rest 10% blames women for being sexually victimized by men.
While surveying the people I wanted to know the reaction of people regarding the incident that
took place in Dhaka University during the PahelaBaishakh event many people stated that how we
failed as a nation. The lack of security of the law enforcements and how they were unable to
track the abusers. One person stated that, It showed how weak and insensitive we are as a
nation. There is a reason we are called Developing Countries because our minds are yet to be
developed stated.
When interviewing a lawyer she confirmed that they get these types of assault cases are
happening every now and then. The laws present in our constitution for womens safety and
justice she stated that article 28 clearly states that rights of women in this country.
It also provides penal code 1860 were the most effective enactment is Nari-O-
ShishuNirajatandaman (2000), which first time expanded the definition of race. Sexual assault
and as well as sexual harassment have been made punishable offence under this law.
As our country is establish and developing recently they have quite no. of NGOs to help
women. Organizations such as Step Crisis is working at a regional level for women who faces
violence and is providing medical treatment, national trauma counselling and rehabilitation
services to them.
The lawyers says that it is necessary to enact specific legislation action to combat sexual assault
to be urgent and effective. However adopting a law is not the only solution government and other
sectors should be addressed as well to promote an active and visible policy of main streaming a
gender perspective in all policies and programs.
In Bangladesh the most effective tribunal is the Nari-O-shishunirjanaton tribunal where such
cases are usually completed only in 180 days.
When interviewing a teacher from Aurora International School, her opinions on women
assaulted sexually who speaks out about it; are women are perceived as a deviant person if they
talk about being assaulted.The organization's work efficiency is questionable since they cant
provide their support in remote villages were these kinds of assaults are mostly taking places.
She also explained that how our media all over the world is playing a vital role in objectifying
women which provoke men to use women as an object. Gender stereotyping and societal norms
have a vital role in the sexual assault of a woman because the society has a backward mind.
When interviewing a victim how she was molested at and young age and due to fear and
shame of the society did not share it with her parents. She also left a message for victims that no
matter what happens they should not be quiet about and should speak out.
SECONDARY DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
1) Fulu, E., Warner, X., Miedema, S., Jewkes, R., Roselli, T. and Lang, J. (2013). Why Do Some
Men Use Violence Against Women and How Can We Prevent It? Quantitative Findings from the
United Nations Multi-country Study on Men and Violence in Asia and the Pacific. Bangkok:
UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women and UNV. Retrieved from http://unwomen-
asiapacific.org/docs/WhyDoSomeMenUseViolenceAgainstWomen_P4P_Report.pdf
This report states why men use violence against women and how can we prevent it? The report
has lots of statistical information about rapes statistics that is taking place in parts of Asia. This
report provides in-depth information regarding mentality of men, where they punished or not.
The statistical view provided lots of light to help my analysis and to understand the situation
better.
2) Chowdhury, A.R. (Director), & Sharma R., Kumar S. &Sircar. S.(Producer). (2016,
September 16). Pink. India: Rashmi Sharma Telefilms Limited.
This movie is about three girlfriends who face the wrath of the society just because they are very
open minded. The lack of responsibilities by the law enforcements can be seen in this movie.
How they were portrayed as bad character girls for being sexually assaulted; in defense, the girl
accidentally injured the person who assaulted her for which she was jailed. The main character
the famous Amitabh Bachchan plays the role of their role and shows how demeaning the
thoughts of our societies are. His famous quote in the movie is, No means no. No matter what
the character or background of the girl is she has the right to say no and the other person should
respect it. Later in the movie, it is shown that the abuser is punished by the law.
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS
In my primary research, I have concluded that most women are exploited in public and then
in public. Since most of the women faced these kinds of situations in public places such as streets
and markets. When a man is accused of sexual assault of a woman they always blame the
dressing style of a woman. But after my survey majority of them agreed that women are harassed
due to the cheap mentality of men in our society. In my survey 47% recipients strongly agreed
that sexual assault takes place due to gender discrimination and inequality, which leads to men
often thinking that they are superior to women. I researched that the main reason for women
being quiet about the sexual assault is the society. Society always tries to avoid these kinds of
situation and also sometimes blame the victims. Except a few of them lend a helping hand to the
victim. Teenagers are the main victims of these type of scenarios. Some people blamed mostly
men for this kind of actions. Others have also blamed women and both men and women for
being sexually assaulted. During my secondary research, I found articles and movies that gave a
whole new depth to my research.
During my interview, I learned that the government is taking few measures to ensure
womens safety. However only a law is not enough, government and the society both needs to
act as a shield for the victims to prevent this kind of assaults. All the interviewers stated that our
societal norms and culture are the main cause for these. Media also plays a vital role in it because
they often project women as a sex object in front of the world, which hampers the mentality of
men.
The data I collected from my primary research, secondary research and interviews thus
prove my hypothesis though there are some limitations to it. As some people gave biased
opinions about their view because most of them in the time of need will always point their
fingers at women first.
Limitations:
I think when I was taking this survey people are fully honest because I was there. That is
why there are some contradictory result.
Time constraint.
Many do not fully understand the meaning.
OPINION ON SEXUAL ASSAULT
Economic conditions may also cause such mentality in people where they can no longer
differentiate between what's right and wrong. Other factors associated with increased risk of
experiencing intimate partner and sexual violence include low education, exposure to violence
between parents, abuse during childhood, attitudes accepting violence and gender inequality.
Though poverty, education level, and consumption of alcohol and drugs are all associated with
domestic violence, the most significant root of domestic violence is gender inequality.
Educational programs may be effective in preventing sexual assault, especially among young
people. Since domestic violence tends to be derived from culturally-based gender roles, many
women are tolerant of the abuse they face. They should be given support from their friends and
family so that they can stand up for themselves. Also, other people should be aware of their
surroundings and help someone in times of need instead of avoiding the situation, which was
done during the TSC incident. In work places or public transport, senior management
representatives should endorse anti-harassment policy and emphasize the fact that all staff is
required to comply with it. We will be truly successful when the society wont blame women for
being assaulted and will stand by them. When these types of assaults will stop completely and
people will learn to respect eachother.
CONCLUSION
The presence of violence cannot be attributed to a single factor, as biological and personal
factors, relationship quality, and community context all play major roles. UN has made the laws
for sexual assault stronger after 1990's. The problem has to be solved systematically by the
government were the women of the country will feel safe to go out. Our society should be more
broad-minded and help the victim if necessary. The family should also support the victim rather
than to disgrace and shame the victim. Women should never be scared to speak out since one
person speaking up will help others as well.
APPENDIX A:
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
1) Research Area: Problems women face

2) Research Topic: Why women cant speak freely about sexual assault or harassment they go
through?
3) Research Question:
a) Primary-
What are the factors that make the women uncomfortable to talk about their experience freely?
b) Secondary-
i) How does our society view it, when these types of assaults take place?
ii) To what extent the societal norms, rules and regulations prevent the women from coming
forward and sharing their experience?
iii) To what extent the victims get support from the society and law enforcements?
4) Hypothesis: We live in such a world where our society tends to blame the victims mostly. No
matter what the issues are, women are the first person to get blamed. Women fear that if they
share their experience with the society they wont get their support and would rather get
exploited for it. Often the victims also tend to blame themselves due to being brought up in a
society with such way of thinking. They blame themselves as the society always points finger at
woman. Talking about the experience causes them more pain, thus they choose to keep quiet
about it. Due to fear, guilt and shame they choose not to share their experience. They feel that if
they talk about it they will lose their dignity and respect infront of the society. The society
always looks down upon women who have faced sexual exploitation.
5) Significance of the research- Being a girl who grew up in a developing country, this research
is very significant for me. For Bangladesh to move at the pace of any first world country, the
women need to be fully independent. Women can be victimized by sexual harassment, in every
step of their life. Not only this is stopping a woman from growing but it also leaves a lifetime
negative impact on her physical and mental health. In order for this huge problem to stop, it first
needs to be addressed. I feel that strengthening research capacity will help enforce better law
establishments in the long run and may also alter societys outlook on sexual assault women
have been facing for decades.
6) Methodology- For my research, I first and foremost decided on the genre I would work on.
Looked up for relevant topic. Finally decided to do brainstorming. Jotted down list of things
which I felt where required to be in the research. Thought of question to back up my research.
The survey will represent a list of sampling questions of no less than 30 individuals from the
general population. The survey will help me to answer my research inquiries and test my
hypothesis.
For my secondary research I plan to use articles, standard reference sources and database,
media and academic websites.
7) Bibliography-
1) Miller, S.G. (2016,October 13). Why sexual assault victims wait to speak out. Live Science.
Retrieved from
http://www.livescience.com/56482-victims-sexual-assault-speak-out.html
2) Renzetti, E. (2014, October 31). Why women who are sexually assaulted remain silent.
Retrieved from
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/why-women-who-are-sexually-assaulted-
remain-silent/article21414605/?page=all
8) Time Frame- Fall 201

APPENDIX B-
Research Questions
Gender: Male Female
Age: 18-25 25-35 35-45 45-55
Occupation:
1) Have you or someone you know have ever been sexually exploited?
a) In public
b) In private
c) Never experienced it
2) Where do you think women are mostly harassed?

a) Home
b) Markets
c) Streets
d) Office
e) Others (mention below): _________________
3) What is the main cause of sexual harassment in our country according to you?
a) Dressing style of a woman
b) Mentality of men in our society
c) Deprivation from physical needs
4) It is very common for a woman to be discriminated due to gender inequality in our society.
How much do you agree to this?
a) Strongly Agree
b) Agree
c) Neutral
d) Somewhat disagree
e) Strongly disagree
5) If a woman is sexually harassed in a public place do you think the society will come forward
to help the victim?
a) Most likely
b) Some of them
c) Definitely
d) Never
6) Who do you think a person should reach out when sexually assaulted?
a) Parents
b) Friends
c) Siblings
d) Law enforcements
7) Should there be NGOs in Bangladesh regarding womens safety?

a) Yes, there should be
b) Maybe
b) No, they are not helpful
d) No idea about NGOs
8) Do you think women are always blamed by the society for being sexually assaulted?
a) Sometimes
b) Most of the time
c) Never
9) Does our society play a vital role in the decision-making role of a victim?
a) Society always supports the victim
b) Society never supports the victim
c) Society always blames the victim
d) Society tries to avoid this kind of situations
10) Who do you think are mostly harassed sexually?

a) Kids
b) Teenagers
c) Middle-aged women
d) Older women
11) When a woman is sexually assaulted who is to be blamed?

a) Men
b) Women
c) Both
12) What are your thoughts on the incident that took place in Dhaka University during the
PahelaBaishakh event?
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Name- Afrin Jahan Khan
Occupation- Lawyer (in Lex Counsel)
1) How often do you come across cases of sexual assault against women?
2) What are the laws present in our constitution for women's safety and justice?
3) Do you think there are enough helplines that a woman can dial for safely or help against
sexual assault?
4) Are the Law enforcements and our government taking enough steps to solve these problems?
5) What are the changes you think should be made in the law in order to make justice faster and
in favor of a woman?
6) Are there are fast justice tribunals for cases like this?
Name- Tahmina Jany

Occupation- Teacher (in Aurora International School)
1) Do you think women are perceived as deviant if they talk about being assaulted?
2) Do you think the organization that works with kind for this cause are working effectively to
stop this?
3) Do you think our law enforcement organizations working efficiently on this matter?
4) Do you think our media is playing a role in the sexual assault of a woman?
5) Do you think gender stereotyping and societal norms has a vital role is sexual assault of
women?
6) Do you think women in Bangladesh can exercise their right to be independent?
Name- SheguftaAmreen
Occupation- Development executive (in Doreen power plant)
1) Have you ever faced sexual assault? Was it in private or in public place?
2) Whom did you confront when you were assaulted?
3) Do you think age was a factor for you at that moment?
4) How would you have reacted if the same thing happened to you now?
5) What did you learn from the experience?

Bibliography
1) Women's rights. (2016, December 4). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved
from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Women%27s_rights&oldid=752971652
2) Rape during the occupation of Germany. (2016, November 24). In Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia. Retrieved
from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rape_during_the_occupation_of_Germany&old
id=751235601
3) Rape during the Bangladesh Liberation War. (2016, December 4). In Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia. Retrieved
from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rape_during_the_Bangladesh_Liberation_War
&oldid=752957527
4) Sexual assault. (2016, December 9). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sexual_assault&oldid=753859961)
5)Rape statistics. (2013, December 3). "Why Do Some Men Use Violence Against Women and
How Can We Prevent It?"Unwomen-asiapacific.org.
Retrieved fromhttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_statistics

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Why Women Cannottalkabout Sexual Assault or Harassment They Go Through?

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Sexual Assault or Harassment 1

Why women cannottalkabout Sexual Assault or Harassment They Go Through?

Findings and Analysis ......7

Summary of Research Findings.....19

(Sexual assault, 2016)

PRIMARY DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

Main cause of harassment

Dressing style of woman

Women faces discrimination due to gender inequality

Will the society come forward to help the victim from

23% Most likely

Victim should reach out to whom first?

Should there be NGO's in Bangladesh regarding

Yes, there should be

No, they are not helpful

No, idea about Ngo's

Are women always blamed by the society for being

Does society play a vital role in decision-making of a

Society always blames the victim

Society tries to avoid this kind of

Who do you think are mostly harassed sexually?

When a women is sexually assaulted who is to be

SECONDARY DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

OPINION ON SEXUAL ASSAULT

1) Research Area: Problems women face

8) Time Frame- Fall 201

Gender: Male Female

Age: 18-25 25-35 35-45 45-55

2) Where do you think women are mostly harassed?

7) Should there be NGOs in Bangladesh regarding womens safety?

10) Who do you think are mostly harassed sexually?

11) When a woman is sexually assaulted who is to be blamed?

Name- Tahmina Jany

6) Do you think women in Bangladesh can exercise their right to be independent?

2) Whom did you confront when you were assaulted?

3) Do you think age was a factor for you at that moment?

5) What did you learn from the experience?

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