In the United Kingdom, a 16-year old girl was gang-raped virtually. According to reports released by the Daily Mail, the girl’s digital avatar was molested by a group of adult men avatars in a hypnotic video game. Virtual Reality or VR is referred to as a “simulated 3D environment that enables users to explore and interact with a virtual surrounding in a way that approximates reality” by the TechTarget. The viewpoint of the user is perceived through one’s senses in the ‘metaverse’ therefore one can only imagine the emotional and psychological trauma which was inflicted on the young girl after the incident.
It is claimed to have not been less painful than a physical molest. Such creations were invented for the public to vent out stress and ‘play games’ but did any of us expect VR to take such a dark turn? This case has raised several questions. How much trauma does physical touch inflict on the victim in a sexual-assault? The impact such an incident has on the victim is extremely vast and deep. The young girl is in a state of shock. This case will always leave a mark in her life which has a high probability of causing a change in her character.Rape is Rape whether it be virtually or physically.
A victim of sexual assault feels a series of emotions, from loss of control, fear, guilt, shame and self-blame to anger, isolation and anxiety. This case holds a lot more depth to it than many readers and viewers will perceive. What action will be taken against the offenders? Will the offenders be traced? as several online/gaming platforms conceal the user’s identity, or the user hides his/her own identity and location using advanced networking tools like Virtual Private Network.
This is the second virtual gang rape reported in UK over the span of one year. It is disturbing to witness such incidents happen in the society. If a person can rape an individual in the Virtual Reality World, he/she can rape an individual in the Real World as well. Offenders direct their aggression towards women. Men do this in a spite of rejection or wrong-doing by a woman according to psychology. The men involved in the virtual gang-rape should be prosecuted and legal action should be taken against them, to protect others and to protect the society from such filthy mindsets. Awareness should be spread among people and they should have faith in the judicial system.
