The Impact of Sex Education in Preventing Sexual Crime
By Saumya Khatri
Sexual crimes, sex education and patriarchy, these words may sound considerably different from one another but when studied closely, they have a lot in common.
Societies built upon the structure of patriarchy often deal with high sexual crimes against women and other LGBTIQ+ communities in order to keep them suppressed. In such societies, it is also noticed that sex remains a hush hushed topic. It is strictly enclosed inside four walls of the ‘bedroom’ and done solely for the purpose of progeny.
‘Sexual liberation’ is not only a radical concept but also unheard of, especially for women and non-binary people. It is true for not only India but first world countries like the US and Canada too.
Public policies and legal measures are stringently constructed in almost every country, nevertheless the problem of sexual crimes are rampant and often unreported. It, thus becomes imperative to introduce Sex Education amongst common citizenry through public platforms like common media, schools, seminars, workshops, etc.
Sex Education (SexEd) is often mistook as a discussion dealing only with topics such as contraception, population control, planned parenthood and sexually transmitted diseases but in order to yield positive impacts it needs to be more diverse, inclusive, non-discrinatory and comprehensive. One of the most neglected aspect of Sex Education is its relation with sexual crimes committed in the society.
This topic is seldom covered in the curriculum of SexEd and more than often ignored because of many reasons. Here we are going to find the thread which binds the two and ask many other vital thought provoking questions in order to understand sexual health, prevent sexual assault and provide better redressal to the survivors.
Sexual Education as a solution to Sexual Crime
As mentioned earlier, ‘Patriarchy’ and ‘Sexual Assault’ are closely related to each other. The former thriving on the latter in order to subdue the minority i.e. women and LGBTIQ+. Women experience sexual assault almost everywhere in their daily commute, inside their homes, in their workplaces, in large gatherings and in isolated spaces as well. The notion of ‘honour’ and ‘responsible victimhood’ attached with sexual harassment cases have made the matters worse for survivors. The loopholes in the legal redressal and complete absence of psychological/emotional redressal exacerbate the entire problem.
A problem as layered and structured as this can only be dealt through comprehensive policy changes such as introduction of Sex Education through public platforms. A comprehensive and non-discriminatory education on different aspects of sexual life and it’s social importance should be introduced in elementary education programs. Workplaces and common media can also be utilised to disseminate a healthy conversation regarding the same. Removing the social stigma around ‘Sex’ needs to be the primary objective of such initiatives.
Who is the most Vulnerable ?
While dealing with the problem of sexual harassment one needs to be very mindful with the way we approach the victim. The notions of victim blaming and responsibilized victimhood are the very reasons why many misconducts go unreported. We also have to consider the nuances and complexities of each and individual case. The class, caste and gender privilege might be applicable to most of the cases but there might be exceptions. To invalidate one’s harassment is denying them justice and the right to live with equal dignity in the society.
There seems a lot that we as a society need to reconsider and understand when it comes to Sexual Health and Sexual harassments. The link between the two is evidently clear needs to be understood by not only or two but all of the society as whole, which is only achievable through comprehensive Sex Education.
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