Gender-based violence disproportionately targets women and gender minorities. While its prevalence and psychological consequences are well documented, less attention has been given to how discourses surrounding such violence shape these consequences and impact survivors' well-being. This study argues that language does not only describe gender-based violence but actively maintains gender hierarchies and perpetuates these crimes. This study situates rape myths within Foucauldian framework and frames them as discursive regimes that delegitimize survivor narratives and normalize violence. By examining rape myths as discursive power tools, the present study highlights their role in exacerbating the psychological consequences for the victims.
The study examined the role of rape myths in shaping and controlling ideas about rapes and to explore how these myths harm survivors by causing shame, silence, and loss of control, reinforcing social inequality. By employing the critical discourse analysis framework legal judgments, media narratives, and policy discourses were analysed. The analysis was informed by Foucault's insights into power/knowledge nexus, disciplinarity, governmentality and subjectivity. The analysis revealed that rape myths are deeply entrenched in the criminal justice systems globally. These myths operate at multiple levels leading to victim blaming, lower prosecution rates and revictimization. The myths normalize unrealistic expectations of victim behaviour and silence alternative voices. Rape myths are not only the product of unequal societies but also contribute to inequalities in the society. These perpetuate psychological harm by power imbalances and normalizing victim blaming. According to Foucault, this psychological harm may feel like 'second rape' to the victims. Beyond psychological harm, these processes significantly undermine survivors' overall well-being, restricting their ability to regain agency, resilience, and a sense of security.
Recognizing rape myths as tools of power can help create laws, policies, and therapy that care for survivors, prioritize well-being, restore agency, and foster equitable structures of care and justice.