Why the Rape Culture Pyramid Matters in South Africa’s Fight Against GBV

South Africa continues to battle an unrelenting gender-based violence (GBV) crisis. From nationwide protests to candlelit vigils, citizens demand justice for women and children who fall victim to abuse, rape, and even femicide. Yet, despite the outcry, the violence continues—raising a critical question: how can we stop it?

One vital step forward is education, especially around the cultural roots that silently support this violence. And at the centre of that education lies a powerful framework: the rape culture pyramid.

Understanding Rape Culture

Gender and women’s rights specialist Patience Mungwari-Mpani defines rape culture as “a complex of beliefs that encourage male sexual aggression and support violence against women and girls.” It’s a society where violence is seen as sexy and sexuality as violent—a continuum that tolerates inappropriate behaviour at the bottom and enables severe crimes at the top.

The rape culture pyramid helps visualise this concept by showing how everyday actions and societal norms feed into a system that normalises and excuses sexual violence. Developed by the non-profit 11th Principle: Consent!, the model outlines how harmful attitudes form the foundation of more serious offences.

The Three Levels of the Rape Culture Pyramid

1. Base Level – Normalisation and Attitudes

This is where it all begins—with words, jokes, and beliefs that might seem “harmless” but are anything but.

• Sexist jokes: Laughing about rape or domestic abuse normalises disrespect.

• Catcalling and unwanted comments: Treat women’s bodies as public property.

• Objectification and “locker room talk”: Dismiss crude comments as typical male bonding.

• Victim-blaming: Saying someone “asked for it” based on what they wore or how they acted.

These behaviours trivialise consent and plant the seeds of disrespect—normalising the idea that women deserve less safety or dignity.

2. Middle Level – Degradation and Harassment

Here, the behaviours escalate beyond speech and into clear violations of personal boundaries:

• Stalking and coercion: Using pressure or manipulation to control or isolate.

• Revenge porn: A severe violation of trust and bodily autonomy.

• Unwanted touching or groping: Often excused but represents clear abuse.

At this stage, the violence becomes harder to ignore—but often remains underreported or excused by social norms.

3. Top Level – Sexual Assault and Violence

The most visible and tragic consequences of unchecked rape culture lie at the top:

• Rape and attempted rape

• Drugging someone to commit assault

• Murder linked to sexual violence

These crimes don’t happen in isolation. They grow from a society that still laughs at sexist jokes and shrugs at harassment. Survivors often face disbelief or shame, not support—because the bottom of the pyramid remains firmly in place.

Why the Pyramid Matters in South Africa

In a country where GBV is declared a national crisis, understanding the rape culture pyramid is essential. It reminds us that stopping rape starts long before a crime is committed. It starts with what we tolerate in our homes, our schools, our WhatsApp groups, and even our humour.

Education is key. By recognising the pyramid, South Africans can begin to challenge the seemingly “harmless” norms that ultimately allow gender-based violence to thrive. From community workshops to classroom discussions, from parents to policymakers—we all have a role in breaking the cycle.

Changing the culture that underpins GBV won’t happen overnight, but it starts with awareness. The rape culture pyramid offers a simple yet powerful tool to rethink what we consider normal and to start building a safer, more respectful society—one where justice isn’t just a protest chant, but a lived reality.

{Source: IOL}

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