Ill-judged words can often add to the pain and horror of rape 

Using language sensitively when discussing victims of rape and sexual violence is important, according to Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop

EDUCATION is the way forward in preventing sexual violence in our society. The words we use can offer comfort and support, but they can also do great harm.

When it comes to the crime of rape, we all need to be mindful of the language we use. This is not about political correctness. It’s about being open to learning about the sensitivities of victims in the aftermath of this heinous crime. One journalist in a recent article in The Sunday Times said that, by saying that there is “no such thing as ‘less violent’ rape”, I was implying that there is no such thing as ‘more violent rape’. It is disingenuous that she concludes from this that the Rape Crisis Centre’s position is, according to her: “Once you’ve seen one rape, you’ve seen ’em all.”