I want to inspire Americans to care about reducing sexual assault, to help victims, and to change legislation with a focus on consent. I have chosen to focus on the actions of FATTA as an example of what can be done here in the USA.
While studying abroad in Sweden, I learned about a powerful organization called FATTA — a Swedish nonprofit fighting sexual violence and advocating for consent in everyday life. FATTA was founded after a heartbreaking case in which three men accused of raping a 15-year-old girl were released because the court claimed her “modest” reaction — pushing her legs together — wasn’t enough to be considered rape.
That moment sparked outrage and inspired a movement.
According to Girls’ Globe, in 2012 there were over 16,700 reported sexual offenses in Sweden, with 98% of offenders being men and 95% of victims being women. By 2016, the number of reported assaults dropped to around 10,500, and while there are many factors involved, FATTA’s advocacy for consent culture has been a huge influence.
What FATTA Stands For
Sweden’s legal definition of rape once centered around violence and force rather than consent. FATTA challenged this outdated definition — pushing lawmakers to redefine sexual assault in terms of mutual agreement. In 2016, FATTA proposed a consent law, which emphasized that sex without consent is rape.
They didn’t stop there. FATTA also launched FATTA Man, an initiative focused on men’s responsibility in changing social norms. Because sexual assault isn’t just a “women’s issue” — it’s a human one.
Their advocacy gained national support. Some major music festivals in Sweden, previously plagued with assault reports, were even canceled until safer environments could be guaranteed. Bands like Mumford & Sons refused to perform until change happened.
What About the United States?
In the U.S., we still have a long way to go. According to RAINN, every 8 minutes, the victim of sexual assault is a child — and only 6 out of every 1,000 perpetrators are convicted.
In Iowa, where I’m from, the law defines sexual abuse but doesn’t clearly define consent. You can read the full Iowa legal definition here. Shockingly, Des Moines Register once listed Des Moines as one of the top 100 sites for human trafficking in the U.S.
The statistics are devastating:
- 94% of women who’ve been raped experience PTSD symptoms.
- 1 in 3 Native American women are victims of sexual assault.
- Victims are 10x more likely to use major drugs and face lifelong trauma.
These aren’t numbers. They’re real people — our friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors.
How We Can Create Change
If Sweden can redefine its laws and culture around consent, we can too.
Here’s how we can start:
- Educate and talk about consent — with our friends, families, and in schools.
- Lobby legislators to clearly define consent in U.S. law. You can find your representatives here.
- Create and support consent-based organizations that empower victims and change the conversation.
- Use your voice — whether that’s through social media, art, or advocacy, your words matter.
It’s time we build a culture that values respect, equality, and consent.
Let’s make it happen — it’s a party of consent in the USA.
References & Resources
Find Your Elected Officials
FATTA: From Rape Culture to Consent Culture
Girls’ Globe: A Campaign That Inspires Change
RAINN: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
BRÅ – Swedish Crime Prevention Council
“Brett Och Station.” BRÅ – Brottsförebyggande Rådet. N.p., n.d. Web.
Enqvist, Anna Falgén, María Rendo, Kupona Foundation, Shakira Choonara, and Gendercide Awareness Project. “FATTA: A Campaign That Inspires Change.” Girls’ Globe. N.p., 18 Mar. 2014. Web.
From Rape Culture to Consent Culture. FATTA, fatta.nu/.
Halpin, Hayley. “Swedish Music Festival Cancelled for 2018 following Rape and Sexual Assault Reports.” TheJournal.ie. N.p., n.d. Web.
Rood, Lee. “Des Moines Identified as Top 100 Human Trafficking Site.” Des Moines Register. Des Moines Register, 16 Nov. 2016. Web.
“Statistics.” Statistics | RAINN. N.p., n.d. Web.
“Tea Consent (Clean).” YouTube. YouTube, 13 May 2015. Web.
Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth 