Slate reports that researchers now have data that suggests internet porn reduces sexual assault, particularly among teenagers.
I find that my initial reaction is ... huh. Strange. Because I have never thought of rape as a particularly sexual crime. It's a violent crime that relies on acts generally associated with love and sex as a way to ensure that the attacked person feels as personally violated as possible.
Bringing violence to an act of love, or using an act of love to create violence, is – IMHO – a perversion. (And no, of course I'm not talking about consensual play; I like a good flogging as much as the next person who likes a good flogging. I'm talking her about true violence, anger, fear, hatred.)
"Making love" is a literal term. Have great sex with someone you're fond of and you come away feeling fond of everyone you know. Have great sex with someone you're in love with and you come away spilling over with love for the world. Sex can literally make love.
Porn is not sex, but masturbation is; if looking at porn inspires you to find that pleasure or at least release, it's entirely plausible that you wouldn't have the hostile energy left over to assault someone.
