I watch quite a bit of Netflix and Prime Media and I am amazed about the number of non-consual sex scenes that make up mvoies and series.

It's so important for media to handle sensitive topics like sexual assault with care and responsibility, considering the impact it can have on viewers.

So what's going on?

The prevalence of rape scenes in mainstream visual media is a complex issue and can be attributed to several factors:

1. Dramatic Device: Filmmakers and writers often use intense and shocking scenes, including those depicting sexual violence, to create dramatic tension, develop characters, or advance the plot. However, this can be problematic when it leads to the trivialization or sensationalization of such a serious issue.

2. Reflecting Societal Issues: Some creators include scenes of sexual violence in their works to reflect real societal issues. They aim to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of sexual violence. When done sensitively, it can contribute to important conversations; however, it can also be distressing or triggering for viewers.

3. Controversy and Attention: Controversial content, including scenes of violence and sexual assault, can generate attention and discussion, sometimes leading to increased viewership. This can be a cynical motivation, but it's a factor in some production decisions.

4. Historical or Contextual Accuracy: In some cases, especially in historical dramas or stories set in particularly violent contexts, including scenes of sexual violence might be seen as necessary to portray the realities of the time or setting accurately. However, the necessity and frequency of such portrayals are often debated.

5. Lack of Diversity in Storytelling: The over-representation of rape scenes might also stem from a lack of diversity among creators and decision-makers in the film and television industry. More diverse perspectives could lead to a wider range of stories being told, reducing the reliance on sexual violence as a plot device.

6. Normalization and Desensitisation: As these scenes become more common, there's a risk of normalization and desensitization, where viewers and creators alike may become less sensitive to the gravity of such content, perpetuating a cycle of inclusion in media.

It's crucial for creators and the industry as a whole to be mindful of the impact such content can have on audiences, especially survivors of sexual violence, and to handle these topics with care and responsibility. Additionally, viewers advocating for more sensitive and responsible media portrayals can influence change in the industry.

The prevalence of rape scenes in mainstream visual media is a multifaceted issue, with various forms of media contributing to the normalization and romanticization of sexual violence. This can be seen in television shows, movies, music, and pornography, each contributing in different ways to the perpetuation of harmful attitudes and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.

For instance, even well-intentioned TV shows like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," which aim to support victims of sexual violence, can inadvertently reaffirm damaging ideas associated with rape culture. Some episodes depict failed cases against perpetrators and instances where victims are blamed for their assaults. While such portrayals may reflect the realities of the criminal justice system, they also risk discouraging real-life victims from coming forward.

Music is another medium that often reflects and perpetuates rape culture. Lyrics in popular songs can sometimes suggest the normalcy or desirability of non-consensual advances, blurring the lines of consent and implying that certain behaviors or clothing choices invite sexual attention. Such messages can be harmful, as they might lead to victims questioning the validity of their experiences or feeling that they won't be taken seriously if they come forward.

Moreover, the portrayal of rape in visual media has two particularly concerning repercussions: titillation and desensitization. Research has shown that exposure to on-screen sexual violence can result in a small but significant percentage of young male viewers becoming sexually aroused by these scenes. This arousal to violence is identified as a contributing predictor of actual aggression against women. On the other hand, repeated exposure to such scenes can lead to desensitization towards the horrors of rape, reducing the impact and severity of these acts in the viewer's perception.

The presence of rape scenes in mainstream visual media contributes to a broader culture that can normalize, romanticize, or trivialize sexual violence, impacting both societal attitudes and individual behaviors. This complex issue calls for a more responsible and sensitive approach in the portrayal of such serious matters in media.