“CORRECTIVE RAPE” – WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Posted: May 29, 2012
For the most part the term, ‘corrective rape’ has
been taken up uncritically within the media and
some “corrective rape” campaigning. Indeed, the
concept appears to have seized the attention and
imagination of the South African and International
media and public. The term itself has become a
central element in the sensationalist depiction of
both the violence experienced by lesbians and of
Africa. The internet, in particular has become host
to some of the most blatant sensationalism. The
most disconcerting of this entailed the public
exposure of the bruised and battered face of a
survivor, who was used as the ‘face of corrective
rape’ without her knowledge or consent. This was
also done without consideration for the negative
impact that such exposure could have on her well-
being. Critical perspectives on the use of the term,
‘corrective rape’ are almost entirely absent in public
discourse.
The claim that rape ‘cures’ or ‘corrects’ has and is
being used by men to justify the rape of lesbian
women. This is not in dispute. The notion that all a
lesbian need is a good f___ to put her right is an old
one, and is certainly not unique to South Africa.
However, the naming of an act of violence on the
basis of a rape myth is deeply disturbing and
offensive. Even more absurd is the extent to which
this term has been popularised. The term itself
gives too much credence to the extremely violent
notion that lesbians can and should be raped ‘right’.
In addition, to name the rape and murder of Eudy
Simelane and Noxolo Nogwaza as ‘corrective rape’
is, as argued in a press release by the South African
Municipal Workers Union, simply inappropriatei. In
these cases, ‘corrective rape’ acts as nothing more
than a euphemism. The rape, murder and
mutilation of lesbian women cannot be seen as part
of the perpetrator’s strategy to ‘cure’ his victim.
There is an even more frightening intent at work
here - frightening, not because it is a new
phenomenon or “scourge” unique to South Africa. It
is frightening precisely because it is not new. It is
frightening because it signifies the brutal persistence
of patriarchy and misogyny.
Rape is a form of gender violence that is rooted in
patriarchal and heteronormative systems of control
and power. Rape is a means of maintaining control
and power over women and their bodies and of
policing gender and sexuality norms. These norms
Faulkner, S. /Sema, T. May 03, 2011) Corrective Rape Equals Murder.
SAMWU Press Statement. Available at:
http://www.samwu.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=881:corrective-rape-equals-murder&catid=98&Itemid=93
Nathan, M. (March 14, 2011). South African Dept. of Justice Hosts 1st
Meeting on the Corrective Rape of Lesbians at Parliament. Available at:
http://lezgetreal.com/2011/03/south-african-dept-of-justice-hosts-1st-
meeting-on-the-corrective-rape-of-lesbians-at-parliament/
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"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King Jnr
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