rape / violation
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rape
Forcing sexual acts on a person against their will. It is a serious violent crime.
Das Opfer erstattete nach der Vergewaltigung sofort Anzeige bei der Polizei.
After the rape, the victim immediately filed a report with the police.
violation
In a figurative sense, a gross disregard for, distortion of, or serious misuse of something abstract such as ideas, art, or principles.
Die plumpe Kürzung des Films war für den Regisseur eine Vergewaltigung seines Werkes.
For the director, the crude shortening of the film was a violation of his work.
The word is made up of the prefix 'ver-', the noun 'Gewalt' (violence), and the ending '-ung'. The prefix 'ver-' often indicates a wrong or harmful action. The ending '-ung' turns the verb 'vergewaltigen' (to rape; to violate) into a feminine noun.
Gewalt ist niemals eine Lösung.
Violence is never a solution.
You can distinguish the meanings by looking at the victim. If the word refers to a person, the literal, criminal meaning is intended. If it refers to something abstract like an idea, art, or nature, the figurative meaning is intended.
Sie wurde Opfer einer Vergewaltigung.
She became the victim of a rape.
In legal and social contexts, the word is often used with certain verbs, e.g. 'eine Vergewaltigung anzeigen' (to report a rape), 'eine Vergewaltigung aufklären' (to solve/investigate a rape), or 'Opfer einer Vergewaltigung werden' (to become the victim of a rape).
Es ist wichtig, dass Opfer von Vergewaltigung Hilfe suchen und Anzeige erstatten.
It is important that victims of rape seek help and file a report.
The figurative meaning is a very strong, emotional word. It is used only to express extreme disregard for or distortion of something that matters to you. It is not suitable for everyday criticism.
Die Zerstörung des historischen Gebäudes ist eine Vergewaltigung der Stadtgeschichte.
The destruction of the historic building is a violation of the city's history.
abuse / misuse
Missbrauch is the broader term for physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Vergewaltigung specifically refers to forcing sexual acts on someone against that person's will. For this specific form of sexual violence, Vergewaltigung is therefore the appropriate term.
Das Opfer berichtete von einer Vergewaltigung durch einen Bekannten.
The victim reported being raped by an acquaintance.
Das Opfer berichtete von jahrelangem sexuellem Missbrauch durch einen Betreuer.
The victim reported years of sexual abuse by a caregiver.
