Aliens No More? Addressing Feminist Critiques to Human Rights with Regard to Sexual Violence in the West

Abstract This paper will examine why the feminist critique to human rights is still relevant even in so-called ‘progressive’ Western societies today, with specific attention to sexual violence. The first part of this essay will explore the feminist critique concerning the public/private sphere, paying attention to its historical emergence, and effect on the progression of women’s rights in the area of sexual violence. This will be followed by a discussion of what has formally been done to address the issue, and a general discussion on shortcomings that exist today, with particular attention to the Larry Nassar case in the United States.