Rape is a terrible crime to commit against another person, and to dream about it can certainly be unpleasant. It’s probably more of a nightmare than a dream, in fact, but it still can hold different symbologies you shouldn’t ignore, however unpleasant.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at dreams about rape and the hidden meaning behind them.
Witnessing A Rape
When witnessing the rape of another person, be it a man or a woman, this can symbolize inner struggles in our lives.
We are dealing with people exerting control over us and others around us and feel powerless to do anything about it, or don’t dare stand up to the person in control. It can be a boss, an overbearing mother or even bullies at school. We feel vulnerable and impotent to change the situation we share with other people, but wish we could do something about it.
This is usually a call for action: It’s your brain’s way of telling you that you’ve had enough being a victim and a bystander, and are ready to stand up for what you believe in. It might be an uncomfortable or difficult situation to deal with, but in the long run, it will help you and those around you live healthier happier lives.
Further Reading: What Happens If You Dream About Being Pregnant?
If the person being raped is a close family member or friend, then this may in turn represent your inner anxieties. You are feeling overwhelmed by it, and it would be a good idea to search for help before it gets any worse. Perhaps you are struggling with your day to day responsibilities or may even be suffering from panic attacks. Whatever the reason behind it, your subconscious mind is trying to send you a very clear message.
The dream could be a recurring one, and these kinds of often dreams about rape could mean you are experiencing unresolved issues with a loved one. Perhaps you’ve grown distant from your parents or siblings because of an old grudge, or have been drifting apart from your partner after an argument. It’s a sign that you want to make amends and fix what’s broken because you miss this person in your life and feel impotent about your own pride and bottled-up anger. Let go of the past and focus on the present instead.
Being the Victim of A Rape
If instead of having dreams about someone else getting raped, you find yourself the victim in your own nightmare, then several details about the dreamer and the dream will change its significance.
Dreams about rape are often related to past trauma and cruelty we’ve endured when its a recurring nightmare. It might even be a sign that you’re experiencing some kind of post-traumatic stress if you’ve gone through a difficult moment in your life.
If this is a dream you experience one in a while, or rarely ever, then you might be feeling used by the people in your life. Perhaps your friends take advantage of your money or skills and you are getting tired of people needing something from you. Or maybe you are dating a man or woman who only seems to want you for your looks rather than like you for you. You may be feeling objectified, and it would be beneficial to confront the person who is making you feel this way.
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If a person in a serious relationship dreams about rape, then they might be struggling with their marriage. You might be going through a rough time with your husband or wife, or significant other if you’re not still married but living together as a couple. Perhaps you are arguing too often and can’t find a way out of this situation. It’s a good idea to sit down and explain your concerns because this dream means you are close to reaching a point of no return. If you want to save your relationship, it’s time to open up to your partner and try to solve your problems, working together as a couple.
When you can’t see the face of the attacker, or it remains hidden in some way, then this means that you feel like someone in your life is exerting great control over your actions. It is someone you trust and love deeply, so it might be a parent, lover or even close friend. You need to set your own rules around them and let them know that, though you love them deeply, you need to make your own decisions.
Being the Rapist
If you dream about rape and instead of being a victim, you are the assailant, then this is a bad sign.
You’ve been most likely bottling up a great deal of anger or frustration against someone in your life, and don’t know how to deal with it. You’ve been probably unable or unwilling to let this person know about your feelings. This is a way of expressing your irritation and insecurities, but you shouldn’t let it simmer for too long inside you. In the long run, it will end up exploding in a negative way unless you face it before it reaches this boiling point.
Also see: What Does It Mean To Dream About Being Kidnapped?
It’s fundamental you face the person making you this anger and try to find a solution. It might be a boss that never recognizes your achievements, a partner who doesn’t share the load of the housework or a friend who is taking more than they are giving. If you can’t solve the problem, then maybe it’s time to walk away from this situation altogether and get this person out of your life once and for all.
Sometimes it’s scary or intimidating to start anew all over again, but if you don’t do something about it, the situation will only continue to escalate until it reaches a violent or unpleasant outcome.
Becoming the rapist in the dream means taking charge of the situation in a violent and horrible way, and it’s a way your subconscious has to tell you that you’re close to reaching a boiling point that will be negative for everyone involved.