Take a breath. Take 3 minutes to read this. This website gives you 3 key facts, 3 real voices and 3 actions to take against rape culture now. It is estimated that there are 1,200 cases of rape in Edinburgh each year, based on the UK average. Sexual violence and assault affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men in their lifetime, with 52% of the worst affected reporting long-term emotional distress or depression. This is a serious issue, and is not simply between violent criminals and victims. The culture that allows people to think they have the right to a person they perceive to be vulnerable's body is engrained in our society. Education is lacking so much that we are numbed and blind to the extent of the problems we face. These aren't just facts and figures, they're our friends and families...

Emma: “I don't think most men realise what it feels like to receive unwanted sexual contact. "Didn't you enjoy it?" is a terrifyingly common response. A male friend has asked why being objectified is even bad.” Daniel: “Education needs to focus more on teaching boys and girls about their rights, about rape and about victim blaming. My experience of school was that they never taught me anything about the dangers of rape or sexual assault.” Lauren: “On nights out, men tend to think because I'm a girl (and under the influence of alcohol) they have a right to engage with me sexually. I try to stay away from clubs because every female friend I have has some kind of story about how the men that go there are looking for sex – grinding on them while they're just trying to have a night out with their girl-friends. In clubs I get touched and felt up. In high school that was also a problem. People think it's okay to touch girls without any indication – it is not okay.”

1 / 4 people sexually abused in lifetime 1 , 200 victims of rape per year in Edinburgh alone 52 % left distressed or depressed long-term

While in many respects rape culture is an intricate problem, there are certain things we can all do. Preventing rape starts with each of us doing our part. It requires that we all challenge ourselves to battle against the state of mind we have been lulled into by past culture and society's current expectations. You need to act now to make a difference.

Education is the key to improving our society. People are sponges. They soak up the information around them extremely well, and because we are social creatures we especially notice details of interactions between people. When we are young, and learning, this means our environment and the people around us have a huge effect on the way we think about the world. Rape culture is unfortunately one of these things we learn. Now our task is to unlearn it, and ensure it isn't passed on.

Here is what you can do right now to take action against rape culture:

1. Tell people when things they say encourage negative attitudes towards minorities, especially victim blaming. Explain why what they say matters. Speak out against attitudes.

2. Before engaging in sexual activity, ensure everyone involved wants to as much as you. Do nothing until they say yes, and you know they mean it. Understand consent.

3. Speak out. Stand up anyone you believe is uncomfortable. Be prepared to help. You can call Rape Crisis Scotland 08088 010302, 6pm-12am for free support. Know what to do.

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