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Demonstrators after the murder of Sarah E. in London: "We were never safe"
Photo: NEIL HALL / EPA
The murder of Sarah E., who disappeared on her way home in London that evening, sparked a discussion in Great Britain about the wide spread and perception of sexual violence in society.
There is a separate term for this in English: "Rape Culture".
The "Everyone's Invited" page published thousands of reports, mostly from girls, who were sexually molested, harassed or raped by school children of the same age.
All reports are anonymous and not verifiable.
But the murder, the great public sympathy and the many reports from those affected have shown that the problem is real.
More than 100 private and state schools have come under fire, including renowned institutions such as Westminster School, Dulwich College and Eton.
In response to the debate, the Ministry of Education has now set up an emergency number for those affected.
The police are investigating the reports.
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Soma Sara is behind the “Everyone's Invited” campaign.
She says schools and parents need to rethink sex education and talk about how smartphones, new technology, and pornography are affecting teenage sexuality.
SPIEGEL:
With your project you want to take action against "rape culture" in British schools.
What is meant by the term?
Sara:
It's a society that normalizes certain behavior such as sexual harassment, derogatory sexist comments or groping.
Such attitudes lead to sexualized violence being normalized and played down.
Other examples are "upskirting" - secretly taking photos under skirts - or sharing intimate pictures without permission.
If all of this is considered normal, then it paves the way for serious crimes like sexual abuse or rape.
SPIEGEL:
How did you come up with the idea of starting this campaign?
Sara:
It started with a lot of conversations with my friends.
We realized that a great many of us as teenagers had similar experiences with sexual violence and “rape culture”.
Through the conversations we understood that what happened to us was not uncommon or coincidental.
Last June I decided to write about my own experiences on Instagram.
The response was overwhelming.
Old and new friends wrote to me that they recognized themselves in it.
Sexual violence is stigmatized, the victims are not believed
SPIEGEL:
How often did you have such experiences growing up?
Sara:
From the age of 14 or 15 it was part of everyday life in London, it was about sexualized bullying and humiliating comments.
And that happened not only on the street or at school, but also online, in group chats and social media, on Facebook and later on Instagram.
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SPIEGEL:
Why are the reports from those affected often not taken seriously?
Sara:
Sexual violence is so stigmatized that nobody talks about it.
And if those affected turn to the public, they will not be believed.
On the contrary, you are often accused yourself.
We often read in the reports that victims were asked what they were wearing, whether they are sure it really happened.
Often they hear: “Really?
But he's such a nice guy! «.
SPIEGEL:
Many schools now want to investigate internally and are concerned.
Are you satisfied with the result?
Sara:
It is very encouraging that so many principals have spoken out and recognized the problem.
But after these confessions, concrete steps must be taken.
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"Girls should feel safe in schools"
Photo: JOHN SIBLEY / REUTERS
SPIEGEL:
Which ones?
Sara:
This "rape culture" exists everywhere, not just in schools.
Schools are of course a place where you can address this behavior very well, for example in sex education.
The UK concept of sex education is very good (
editor's note. Internet abuse and consensual sex are mentioned in it
).
But it was only passed last year, so we haven't seen any results from it yet.
And there is still a gap between the concept and the implementation.
"Adults and teachers can no longer be naive."
SPIEGEL:
Do you have any specific ideas on how to design lessons differently?
Sara:
On the one hand, it is important that teachers continue their education.
You need to understand exactly how abuse works on the internet and social media.
On the other hand, there needs to be more talk about consent to sex in schools.
Girls and boys need to understand what that is.
When I went to school, no one took sex education seriously.
That needs to change.
Lessons should take place in small groups.
The content should be appealing.
When you say "Rape Culture", many go on the defensive.
"Rape" - that seems so far removed from reality to many.
SPIEGEL:
Are you in favor of replacing the term?
Sara:
We spent ten months collecting ideas and thinking about the language and came to the conclusion that this term cannot be avoided.
Rape is the result of a culture where sexism, mysogyny, sexual harassment, and abuse are normalized with images.
So we need to talk about all of these other behaviors that students are involved in or are the victims of in order for them to recognize themselves.
Where can those affected find information directly after an attack?
The nationwide telephone number for victims of violence is a good point of contact.
The free number 08000 116 016 helps victims in 18 languages.
The counselors can also refer those affected to regional support services.
Those affected can also find a counseling center near them here: Frauen-gegen-gewalt.de
"The problem exists worldwide"
SPIEGEL:
What can politicians and the Ministry of Education do?
Sara:
You have to read the reports and understand that the reality of this issue is very complex.
And they have to understand the extent.
We are currently in talks with the Ministry of Education and the police.
And we're putting together a working group made up of representatives from schools and the police, social workers and psychologists to discuss how we're going to tackle the problem.
I also believe that it is not a purely British phenomenon, I suspect it exists everywhere.
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"We can't look the other way, we have to talk to them about these issues."
Photo: Hollie Adams / Getty Images
SPIEGEL:
What role do new technologies and pornography accessible on the Internet play in this?
Sara:
Adults and teachers are no longer allowed to be naive.
Children these days come into contact with pornography at a very early age, perhaps as early as ten or eleven.
We can't look the other way, we have to talk to them about these issues.
We need to make it clear to them that pornography has nothing to do with reality and that it can have an unhealthy impact on sex and relationships.
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SPIEGEL:
Why is pornographic content dangerous, especially when it comes to “rape culture”?
Sara:
The concept of consent just doesn't exist in pornography.
Men are right to do what they want with female bodies.
It is important that parents take the initiative here.
Often times, parents tend to limit Internet use.
But the children will still find pornographic content.
Each of them has a smartphone or their friends have one.
We therefore need a different approach.
Children and parents need to be able to speak openly about it from an early age.