Language Matters: Redefining Sexual Violence.

Not all foundations for combating violence can rely solely on legislation and international acts; sometimes, even the use of incorrect terminology can contribute to violations of children’s rights. In many sources and international conventions, the term "sexual violence" is commonly used. However, in this paper, alternative terms will be employed, namely "sexualized violence". One might argue that the concept of "sexualized violence" does not formally exist, and that legal norms and international documents consistently use the term "sexual violence," which should therefore be adhered to. However, a deeper examination of the meaning of this expression reveals that its usage may be inaccurate. In her work War and Rape: Analytical Approaches, Ruth Seifert, after analyzing several studies by American and German scholars, argues that a perpetrator of rape is not driven by sexual desire. That is, the aggression does not stem from sexual attraction to the victim or from uncontrollable passion. On the contrary, it is a sexualized expression of aggression. In other words, within the perpetrator’s psyche, the act does not serve a sexual function but rather represents anger, violence, and a desire to dominate women or girls. The perpetrator’s goal is not sexual gratification, but humiliation of the victim, exertion of control, demonstration of power, and self-assertion at the victim’s expense. This distinction fundamentally changes the meaning. The term "sexual violence," which has traditionally been used, can implicitly justify the perpetrator by suggesting an inability to control sexual urges or by implying that the victim’s sexuality or appearance provoked the act. In contrast, the term "sexualized violence" emphasizes that such acts are driven by humiliation, power, control, intimidation, and domination over the victim.

The importance of using this terminology lies in revealing the true motives of the perpetrator and preventing any justification based on desire or passion. Otherwise, victims may be subjected to victim-blaming, social condemnation, and may internalize guilt related to their own sexuality.

Master of Psychology Ekaterina Goloborodko, in her work "The Difference Between Sexual and Sexualized Violence," notes that sexualized violence is a demonstrative destruction of another person’s boundaries and identity. It is a means of humiliation, a way to make the victim feel helpless, "dirty," unwanted, and psychologically broken.

The use of this terminology to describe non-consensual sexual acts highlights the severity and brutality of such violence. It underscores that these acts are not the result of uncontrollable desire or passionate impulse, but rather reflect a deliberate intention to humiliate human dignity. This framing exposes the true cruelty of both the crime and the perpetrator.

For this reason, the term "sexual violence" may be considered less precise, while "sexualized violence" more accurately captures the essence of the act and reveals the true motives of the aggressor.

Erkinova Amina