Rape schedule

The rape schedule is a concept in feminist theory that describes the restrictions or alterations to lifestyle and behaviour that are placed on women by the prevalent fear of sexual assault. Choosing certain routes whilst walking home, planning in advance of being alone, or avoiding certain areas at night are often given as examples of such behaviour. Some people do not think about their rape schedules often because it becomes a habit, which they may not even be aware of. Such habits that are often unthought of as preventative measures are: walking with one's keys in their hand while walking to the car or using the buddy system, which is taught from a young age. A woman leaving her friend's house early so she would not have to take the subway home at night is an example of how having a rape schedule can interfere with a person's daily life.

Women are more likely to be raped than men: 1 in 7 women and 1 in 71 men will experience rape in their lifetime. The rape schedule is generally used by women, not men. Rape schedules can supply a steady stream of fear into a person's mind and make a person very cautious of their actions. Those that do not have rape schedules are seen as privileged, as they may not have to think a rape schedule or live by one as opposed to a person that does.

Jody Miller has explained that as prostitutes cannot adhere to a rape schedule due to the fact it would leave them 'unable to work', adhering to a rape schedule could be seen to be 'born of privilege'. As men are generally not the targets of sexual assault and thus do not need to adhere to a rape schedule, such a concept could be said to illustrate gender inequality at a very basic level.

There are many people in the world that have never been the victim, but yet are far from being carefree and are highly concerned with doing everything they possibly can to avoid a tragic instance, such as rape. A particular quote by Jessica Valenti in her book Full Frontal Feminism stated, "When I was in college, a teacher once said all women live by a 'rape schedule.'" This goes to show that men see women as easier targets and thus they fall victim more easily to rape and live in constant fear.

Fear of sexual assault is a fear that is commonly shared among many individuals in today's society, particularly women. This fear often forces individuals to make alterations within their everyday life, whether by compelling changes in behavior, daily routines, or even avoiding being alone as much as possible. According to Susan Griffin in 1971, "rape and the fear of rape are a daily part of every woman's consciousness. The fear of rape keeps women off the streets at night. Keeps women at home. Keeps women passive and modest for fear they be thought provocative." In addition to affecting behaviors and routines, rape schedules can affect the emotional stability of an individual. When thinking of the term "rape victim", people often assume the victim is a woman as opposed to a man. This is because in today's society, women are viewed as weaker than men, thus making them an easier target. As a result of the fear of rape, individuals then begin living by this rape schedule, which in turn, leaves woman feeling powerless and eventually woman begin to view themselves and their own self-worth somewhere between low to non-existent.

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