During rape, many victims become paralyzed without realizing it. Neural circuits are blocked by threats. The researchers argue that this should be considered in law.
Neuroscientific research explains why many rape victims don’t defend themselves when attacked.
And one of the most common arguments in sexual assault trials is that the victim didn’t run away or fight the perpetrator, and a study from University College London (UCL) sheds light on this response. It means that
The study, published Monday in Nature Human Behavior and conducted by Professors Patrick Haggard and Evani Dhawan, found that some women who were sexually assaulted remained “stiffened” during the experience, He reveals the reason why he cannot move or scream.
In fact, it’s estimated that about 70% of women in this situation react this way.
nervous response to danger
Haggard and Dhawan argue that immobility can be completely involuntary, he noted. DW.
Many animals are temporarily paralyzed by minor threats, making them easier to prepare for a quick fight-or-flight response. but, Imminent and serious threats can lead to behavioral changes, complete freezing, and long periods of limp.
This is because the brain’s response to threat may involve blocking neural circuits that voluntarily control body movements.
A similar process occurs in humans, with surveys showing that victims of sexual assault report being unable to move or scream during assault, even if they are not physically restrained or immobilized. often
Study authors call to stop blaming rape victims
In court proceedings, a woman’s non-response is often used as a counter-argument by lawyers for rapists and rapists, arguing that non-resistance equates to consent.
But if, as research shows, the victim is “unconsciously immobile,” the authors caution that the argument is not true.
Haggard, Professor of Psychology and Language Sciences at UCL, said, “The law has long recognized the ‘loss of control’ defense, and in certain circumstances where it is proven that actions were carried out without control, liability can be denied. We can recognize a reduction in
“After reviewing the neuroscientific evidence, similar consideration should be given to involuntary incapacity during rape and sexual assault,” he suggests ending inappropriate victim blaming.
“It is essential to draw public attention to the critical aspect of ‘affirmative consent,”’ the scientists conclude.
Source: Biobiochile
