Writing about a sensitive subject such as rape is hard and it should be. My current project will include a rape scene, it’s in the rough stages now and I’m not enjoying writing it.
So, why am I including it?
Because the survivor’s story needs to be told.
And for that reason I decided I needed to write a post to help other writers if they decide to include rape or sexual assault in their story.
First, you really need to think about why you want to include a rape scene in your story. Normally I would list reasons why you should, but instead I’m going to list reasons why you shouldn’t.
- To give a protagonist something to avenge. I am not saying that other people aren’t affected by a loved ones rape, but it shouldn’t be used as a stepping stone for anyone who isn’t the survivor.
- For shock. (No explanation needed.)
- For characterization. I’ve seen rape used to showcase how evil a character is. I’ve also seen it used to show how an evil guy (Negan from the Walking Dead) has a moral compass (he doesn’t mind bashing a few heads in, but he refuses to allow his guys to touch a woman without her consent.)
- For entertainment. If the rape doesn’t affect the plot (the story will be fine and doesn’t fall apart without it) then don’t include it.
- Don’t write it from the rapists point of view if the story is the survivor’s.
If you still feel like the scene is still necessary here are some tips I have:
- (If in third person) don’t let the narrator linger on the survivor’s body. Don’t describe the survivors body in an erotic way. It’s rape, not sex.
- Focus on how the rape affects the survivor. You can still touch on how it affected those who love the survivor, but it’s not their story.
- Significant others can be upset and want to hurt the person who did it, but that shouldn’t be your only motivation for including the scene.
- Use the active voice.
- Nothing should insinuate that the survivor “asked for it.” The perp can assert that and if you’re going to have a bad cop, they can assert that but (if in third person) the third party shouldn’t.
- You don’t have to go into detail. You can “fade to black.” It will still matter to the survivor.
- Enlist sensitivity readers. Their advice will be valuable.
I hope this helps anyone who might be diving into writing about such a tough topic.
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