HAVE A LOOK at Todays INdependent front page on rape. (Friday)

[picketywick]

I assume it is available on the Net. Figures quoted startling. I think the report is quoted in other papers.

I know I was going to post the figures the longer sentences give you hope

Yes, lockedout, Rape is a very difficult crime to get convictions on. Because
it is usually one persons word against another. Especially on date rape. And juries dont like convicting on that basis. Consequently not many rape cases see the inside of a court. The powers that be have been trying to think of an answer for years. Without success.

|I think there's a general lack of understanding and empathy as to how devastating rape is. I also think that women are seen as 'difficult' in date rape cases and victim blaming is still prevalent - you led him on, you changed your mind, you are female - obviously asking for it. Of course, not all victims are female or adults and I think that can make it even harder to report.

Lazerush Yes, all you say is true. Some victims in the past said police iterviews were like being raped again. I think the police have improved but few date rape cases get to court. Its a major dilemma. No answer in site

I know- it's so frustrating. I think attitudes and assumptions need to change across society as well as professional organisations...I like to think I'll see a change in the next 10 years but I'm not overly hopeful...

Germaine Greer once suggested 2 levels of rape charge. Date rape and stranger rape. It is not going to happen. I went to 2 rape trials a few years back. |In each case I believed the woman was telingl the truth . But there were Not Guilty verdicts in both cases.