the use of the word 'alleged'

[foreverastudent]

I was driving in my care and heard on the radio a quick news report of an '11 year old boy who was sexually assaulted'. I'm sorry I don't have a link (can't remember the station/time) but I noted the absence of the word 'alleged'. AFAICR whenever I've heard similar news reports (female victims) they always use the word 'alleged'.

Was this case different because male rape/sexual assault victims are to be believed whereas female ones aren't?

It really bugs me when they use that word. They should either use it for all crime victims or none.

Add message | Report | Message poster dittany Thu 28-Oct-10 21:12:16
'So we're back to the crap that rape victims lie but every other victim of a reported crime is telling the truth.'

Where has anyone said that? Or even implied it?

Saltatrix - yes that is what I was trying to say

'18 year old allegedly raped while walking home.'

Have you seen that? Because I have never seen that.

Witness appeals are along the lines of ' 18 year old raped on way home from work,'

I'm talking about a legal process - that a case may hinge on whether sex was consensual or not and this may change the way it is reported.

Am not talking about 'the issues around conviction rates.

it's quite surprising that this thread has so many posts and yet we are generating much more heat than light. Not much more forward than 20 or so posts in.suspect this because the 'evidence' ( from media reports quoted) is pretty uneven, and so posters are relying on what they believe, rather than concrete evidences. So, this could become the longest ping-pong game in MN history.

Yes but that's the US - not here.

Rules and attitudes are different.

If rapes are not difficult to prosecute, dittany, why are the conviction rates so low?

I would say it is a combination of factors, possibly inadequacy on side of police officers, retraction of cases by the victims in the initial stages and that it is difficult to get enough evidence which can be used in a court of law. When rape cases get to court however they have a 58% conviction rate. The problem is with the difficulty of rape cases getting to court for the reason I have just quickly stated.

I thought the rate was far lower Saltatrix.

The 6.5% rate is from when the police are informed. The grading experience is sooo tough that a 58% rate in court isn't so surprising. In fact it sounds quite a modest one.

from today - a footballer arrested on suspicion of rape The a-word appears as he has been arrested, but note not charged.

Even when a copper sees an offence being committed, and arrest someone, the caution still must start "I am arresting you on suspicion of...." At least that's what must appear in the pocket book notes.

yes these details MAY de-politicise the process, but are still crucial in securing a conviction.

I don't see any problem with that story...yes it is alleged because he has been arrested following an accusation. At no point does it talk about an 'alleged victim,' or insinuate that the girl .is lying.

If he was charged all the newspapers can print are 10 points including his name, age address, charge, bail conditions, next hearing.