‘Is This Rape? Sex On Trial’ Gets Mixed Reaction From Viewers

BBC Three aired a programme entitled Is This Rape? Sex On Trial last night. In the show 24 young people were shown a three-part drama (created for the show) in which a man has oral sex with a woman who appears to be unresponsive. They were then asked to say whether they thought that the woman gave her consent and if this act constituted as rape. Over half said that she didn’t consent with 13 per cent saying she did consent and 33 per cent saying they didn’t know. Basically, the programme highlighted how much teenagers know (or don’t know) about the issue of consent. The reaction to it was mixed on Twitter with many saying that they felt that they were concerned about the beliefs of those involved…

The absence of 'no' does not mean 'yes.' THE. ABSENCE. OF. NO. DOES. NOT. MEAN. YES. #sexontrial

— Becky (@Tikken) November 2, 2015

Really sad that at the end of it all, they are focused on the wellbeing on the rapist without mentioning the survivor at all. #sexontrial — Rachel @ KCLSU (@kclsu_vpwc) November 2, 2015

"hes young, it will ruin his life" HE RAPED HER, HE JUST RUINED HER LIFE SHE WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH WHAT HE DID #sexontrial

— kid (@troyestory) November 2, 2015

Some questioned the motive of the broadcaster and the message they were sending out... 

If bbc accept that false accusations are rare, why are they taking this angle of inspiring sympathy for accused? #SexonTrial — Tender (@TenderUK) November 2, 2015

Oh no #bbc3, you didn't just do this?! Oh yes, let's focus on so-called 'false accusations' and lying women ##sexontrial

— Cath Elliott (@CathElliott) November 2, 2015

The court scene- and that's why people are too scared to report rape :/ #bbc3 #sexontrial — Vicki Baker (@VeebsBaker) November 2, 2015

Others said that the show was good because it highlights that more education is needed…

#SexOnTrial #IsThisRape This documentary needs to be shown in schools. Schools don't talk enough about rape. Teach children what consent is.

— ♡✖Georgia✖♡ (@GG5SOS) November 2, 2015

Well done to BBC 3 for airing a programme that finally educates people on what consent actually is #IsthisRape #SexonTrial — billend✨ (@bilharperxo) November 2, 2015

Great documentary on BBC3, more shows like this are needed to get people discussing consent #SexOnTrial #Isthisrape

— Nicki Killeen (@nickikilleen) November 2, 2015