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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

To be really annoyed at BBC News.

46 replies

kirstys23 · 20/02/2013 18:38

While reporting on the trial of the 9 men in Oxford who groomed and raped young girls they told about an 12 year old girl who the gang forced to have a back street abortion when she became pregnant. The news reader told how the girl was groomed by one of the men and 'went on to have a sexual relationship with him.'

Surely a 12 year old girl cannot have a 'sexual relationship' with a man? AIBU to think BBC was wrong to use these terms and should have said 'rape' or 'abuse' instead?

OP posts:
badtemperedaldbitch · 20/02/2013 18:39

Yes I agree, terrible wording

AnyFucker · 20/02/2013 18:41

Totally agree

They'll be calling this rapist her "boyfriend" next

mrsbunnylove · 20/02/2013 18:43

complain. i'm always doing that.

Original poster
kirstys23 · 20/02/2013 18:47

This is a man who they also reported on their website heated a hairpin with a lighter and branded her buttocks with his initial to show he 'owned her.' How can they then say she engaged in a sexual relationship with him?

I'm not much of a complainer, but I might do on this occasion. It made me so sad to see such horrific abuse reported in that way.

OP posts:
Original poster
kirstys23 · 20/02/2013 18:50

It also annoys me the way they say she was 'forced in to prostitution.' She's was 12, she wasn't prostituting herself, she was raped.

OP posts:
Sugarice · 20/02/2013 18:52

BBC news have always been shite at reporting real proper facts as they should be and this is a case in point.

They do an early Saturday morning slot in their breakfast show which includes some of their misinterpreting of news items, I hope to see your complaint soon.

BratinghamPalace · 20/02/2013 18:59

I totally agree." Men paid money to rape her" is actually what happened. I am not trying to start anything here but news organizations are men heavy and I would think that they would not like that wording. It would actually make everyone stop and bloody think. Quite a shocking concept but actually the truth. I feel sick even thinking about those poor children. Wording it like they do makes it sound that the children got on board, were willing, had choice. Dreadful.

Sallyingforth · 20/02/2013 20:11

I think you are over-analysing this. As I read this they were just making it clear that he had full sex with her rather than a more innocent relationship. Rape is a violent assault but also sex. I don't see any implication that the victim voluntarily engaged in the sex.

AnyFucker · 20/02/2013 20:14

It isn't "overthinking" to have an objection to this kind of normalising language

The words "had full sex with" and "12yo girl/boy" should never, ever be in the same sentence.

Itsjustafleshwound · 20/02/2013 20:19

The word relationship implies willingness to me.

Just because someone doesn't fight back doesn't mean it isn't rape or that it is consensual ...

cocoachannel · 20/02/2013 20:20

Totally agree OP, and with the language about children being forced into prostitution. In fact this would be a prime candidate for an MN campaign. HQ?

thebody · 20/02/2013 20:20

Totally agree op... Disgusting and BBC need a kick up the arse.

cocoachannel · 20/02/2013 20:21

I will report my post in hope!

thebody · 20/02/2013 20:22

Oh agree mumsnet campaign

thebody · 20/02/2013 20:22

I will do the same.

thebody · 20/02/2013 20:24

Reported.

hiddenhome · 20/02/2013 20:29

I suspect the establishment are moving towards lowering the age of consent in order to try and normalise this kind of behaviour towards children. These people don't make mistakes when they word these things Sad

Original poster
kirstys23 · 20/02/2013 20:29

sallyingforth - I don't think I'm over analysing it. If somebody rapes you, you do not have a 'sexual relationship' with them, you are a victim of abuse. The fact that this is a 12 year old girl we are talking about makes it even more disappointing that the Beeb would use that kind of language.

OP posts:
Original poster
kirstys23 · 20/02/2013 20:30

I will report too.

OP posts:
thebody · 20/02/2013 20:30

Please everyone report.

phoenixrose314 · 20/02/2013 20:31

Couldn't agree more. Like another poster said, the BBC are always doing stuff like this... it's scary how easily they can try to manipulate public opinion, it's why I choose not to watch the news.

All of us should put in a complaint.

hiddenhome · 20/02/2013 20:31

They won't care if you report this.

Wewereherefirst · 20/02/2013 20:33

That's horrible wording, the girl was raped. Being raped is not the same as a sexual relationship. It is the total opposite.

Viviennemary · 20/02/2013 20:37

I have said this before. The whole subject of underage sex needs looking at and legislating for again. A 12 year old is a child and should be protected.

AnyFucker · 20/02/2013 20:37

HH, and nothing will change if people don't stand up and be counted

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