Summary
A South African scientist at the remote Sanae IV Antarctic base has been accused of sexual assault and violent threats, prompting urgent pleas for help.
The 10-person team is stranded for months due to extreme winter conditions. Officials were warned of the escalating situation as early as December but failed to act.
South Africa’s environment department has launched an investigation and is offering counseling.
The incident raises concerns over psychological screening for Antarctic missions, echoing past violent incidents in South Africa’s research programs.
I never once blamed the victims. And I never will.
My point is that the women being sexually assaulted in Antarctica haven’t been passively sitting there saying it “never crossed their mind” to protect themselves - one had to walk around for months wielding a hammer to use as a weapon against her assailant.
It’s the wider system down there and the rape culture society that is creating this system not some kind of passive internaluzed helplessness. Most women field scientists are tough as nails because they have to be.
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these are literally scientists, nerds! Who are these antarctic gang bangers? The problem is that the punishments aren’t heavy enough. There’s no chance of capital punishment regardless of how many people or how many times you rape someone.
Everyone is all about “what about false charges!” how often do other crimes get people arrested under false charges as well? People barely care about that.
Are you saying thst women scientists shouldn’t “hang around” Antarctica?
Because that’s fucked up and another example of putting the emphasis on the victims actions.
NOW you’re on the right track. We as societies should be stepping down a lot harder on this crap.
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I completely agree with you on that.