Research indicates that there are multiple drivers for sexual violence, including attitudes supportive of sexual assault (misogyny, entitlement to sex), intimacy deficits and difficulties having relational needs met, personality disorders, sexual deviance or hypersexuality, antisociality (callousness, not caring about social norms or other people’s needs), and difficulties with self-regulation (such as coping with stress or delaying gratification). Contextual factors like substance use can also elevate risk by disinhibiting someone.

Loading

Each sexual offender will have a unique constellation of needs and difficulties, too. While one offender might be driven by strong sexual deviance coupled with antisociality (e.g. having sexual interest in violent sex involving strangulation and not caring if a sexual partner is hurt in the process), another offender might rape someone because they have internalised misogynistic attitudes which are supportive of rape (e.g. believing women play coy, but really want sex) and have difficulties inhibiting impulsive action.

Carefully and clearly understanding why a person offends in a certain manner at a certain time is essential, and it’s only by putting together the pieces of this dark and twisted jigsaw that we can work out ways to dismantle it.

This process of understanding and dismantling someone’s offence “map” to help them understand the smaller steps that led to the catastrophic incidence of offending, and to find a different pathway, is essential to interrupt the trajectory of sex offending.

Sexual violence has a catastrophic impact on victims. I have treated victims of sexual violence, many of whom have struggled with post-traumatic difficulties for decades after being subjected to the acts of a person who did not care, or believe in, the importance of seeking consent.

Loading

The difficulties victims live with are pernicious; sexual violence can decimate a person’s capacity to trust, to experience safety in the world and in their body, and to be close and intimate with other people.

When sexual violence involves significant betrayal by someone who is trusted, as seen in the behaviour Pelicot inflicted on his former wife, the difficulties are amplified manifold.

Even as we laud Gisele Pelicot’s courage in turning away from the shame she rightfully refuses to hold, it’s essential to take this opportunity to truly understand the nature of those who perpetrated the sexual offences against her, and prevent other women from suffering in the same manner.

Terms like “rape culture” are broad in their appeal, but we need far more granular detail to understand why a person offends sexually. With that, we can determine how to reduce the risk of re-offending, or even prevent it altogether.

Dr Ahona Guha is a clinical and forensic psychologist, trauma expert and author based in Melbourne.

If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.