Self-defence within the 'Rape Script'

Cahill discusses the merits of feminist self-defence as a method to undermine rape culture, and provide women with another tool to potentially assist in protecting against sexual assault. In her analysis, Cahill provides an overview of Mardrossin’s critique on the issue. One element of the critique centres on the idea that although feminine passivity in not a constant feature or ever the cause of sexual assault, male aggression is always the source. I find this point interesting, particularly in light of Marcus’ chapter on the ‘rape script.’

In her analysis of the ‘rape script,’ Marcus discusses the distinction between subject – subject violence, in which two people are expected to act violently towards one another, and sexual violence, which functions partly under the assumption of victim powerlessness. Meaning that, at least to a degree, rape happens because the rapists believe they are stronger than their victim. Assuming this, feminine passivity may not always be present in sexual assault scenarios, but the assumption that women are passive is an enabling condition that makes women targets of male aggression. Therefore, encouraging women to have self-defence training that overcomes habits of bodily comportment that communicate fear and/or passivity, could deter rapists and combat rape culture.  

Although the analysis is problematic in that it places the burden of ending sexual assault on women exclusively, ignores instances where self-defence would embolden a perpetrator, or is impossible due to the circumstances (date-rape), it does provide a tool for women to directly challenge rape culture and the societal forces that create an environment in which rape continues to exist. In my own experience, participating in courses that I perceived as increasing my physical ability and control over my body has made me move and occupy space differently, at least in the short term.  However, a key issue, which was brought up in class, is that approaches that actively discourage “feminine passivity” create a situation in which male aggression is combated with more aggression, and certain defences against sexual assault are deemed illegitimate.