Rape does not have to be physical.

Rape does not have to be physical.

The word rape always evokes feelings of fear, anger, and rejection, and is often associated in the collective consciousness with the image of direct physical assault. However, the truth is that rape is not limited to the body. There is psychological rape, emotional rape, and spiritual rape, which occurs when a person is stripped of their right to refuse, subtly forced to accept, or forced to surrender for fear of losing love, being rejected, or feeling guilty.

Psychological rape can occur in a relationship that appears to be loving, but is actually one of emotional control and blackmail. When love is used as a weapon—when you're told, "If you love me, you have to prove it," or, "You don't want to lose me, right?" or, "You're exaggerating; nothing's wrong," the relationship then becomes a form of disguised control.

Rape is not just the penetration of the body, but the penetration of boundaries. It is every time you say "yes" while inside you scream "no." It is every time you remain silent because you fear being blamed, or because you are used to sacrificing. It is every time your decision is taken away, and you are forced to go along with a situation you do not want, just to please yourself or to avoid pain.

Many women and men experience forms of this type of rape without realizing it, because society has taught them that assault is measured by bruises, not feelings. In reality, however, sometimes the most severe forms of violence leave no visible trace. The psychological wound is invisible, but continues to bleed silently, in the form of anxiety, loss of confidence, aversion to the body, or persistent feelings of guilt.

Healing begins with recognition. Redefining the meaning of consent, boundaries, and respect. Understanding that rape is not just a physical act, but every violation of your psychological and emotional boundaries. Learning that refusal is not a crime, and that silence does not mean acceptance.

Talking about these issues is painful, but necessary. Silence allows violence to recur, while awareness is the first step toward liberation.

We need to restore to man his full right to say “no,” to choose his timing, to own his body, soul, and feelings, without fear and without shame.