Rina Gonoi was sexually assaulted when serving in Japan's army. She refused to stay silent.
By Shaimaa KhalilRina Gonoi had two dreams. To be a soldier, and to compete in the Olympics as a judo player.
"They were back and forth bringing hot water for us so we could have a bath. I looked at them and thought 'What a wonderful job.' I thought I would like to work for society - for the people."Both her dreams were within reach when she joined Japan's army, the Ground Self-Defence Force . Ms Gonoi said the three men forcibly spread her legs open and alternately and repeatedly pressed their crotches against her.
In Japan's male-dominated society most sexual violence victims are shamed into silence. And those who speak out face a fierce backlash.When Ms Gonoi decided to speak out, she knew it wasn't going to be easy. She was taking on a Japanese military institution. It was also the same year that the Flower Demo movement started. On the 11th day of every month since April 2019, groups of sexual violence victims and their supporters have gathered throughout Japan in public spaces to protest unjust acquittals of sexual crimes, and call for changes to the country's sexual violence law.
Under the current law, a victim bears the onus of proving not only that there was no consent, but also that there was "assault or intimidation" or other factors that made it impossible for them to put up resistance.
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