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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Why are people so defensive towards alleged rapists?

706 replies

PinkyofPie · 28/07/2016 15:40

If you're charged with a crime that goes to court, unless there's a reason to retain anonymity (such as it involves your child therefore naming you effectively names them) the press can name you if they wish to do so. Be it burglary, assault, theft or rape.

So why, every time a rapist is on trial, do people hop about saying "innocent until proven guilty" "they shouldn't be named they're tarred for life now" etc. But literally NO other crime.

A few days ago my local paper posted a picture on their FB newsfeed of 2 men on trial accused of raping a 18yo in the park. The above comments were there and even calls to "name and shame" the victim Shock and also "will she get sentenced if they're found not guilty". Perhaps because "not guilty" does not mean innocent and if the law worked that way even fewer women would report rape than there is now

One of the men accused also posted mocking both the trial and people who actually had sensible comments. I looked at his profile, which is public, and there's lots of people saying "good luck mate" for today (verdict) and memes about liars getting their comeuppance.

Today both men were unanimously found guilty by the jury in just 7 hours.

No comments so far on the post about their guilt.

Can anyone offer an explanation as to why people take this attitude with rape, and only rape? The poor survivor has had to read all that sympathy for them Sad

OP posts:
LardLizard · 30/07/2016 21:03

Oh toads, I agree, you just can't know, i was just trying to say the other possible side to the story, if that makes sense

LardLizard · 30/07/2016 21:07

here even the headline says false

LardLizard · 30/07/2016 21:09

Beach that's the story I'm talking about

ToadsJustFellFromTheSky · 30/07/2016 21:10

The reason why we don't need a We Believe You campaign for mugging/theft/assault etc is because generally people don't tend to disbelief victims of mugging or assault.

If I was mugged right now or punched in the face nobody would doubt my word. Nobody would say "well you might have handed over your money willingly" or "you might have hit yourself in the face and gave yourself that bruise". People would believe me.

Rape is different however. Historically rape victims have been disbelieved. Even now people will often doubt or disbelieve a woman who says she has been raped.

Even in cases where there is a lot of evidence or there are eyewitnesses (Brock Turner anyone?) there will still be people who try to justify the rapists actions and twist it around to make it look like the victims fault.

ToadsJustFellFromTheSky · 30/07/2016 21:12

Is someone paying people to keep posting that story?

KindDogsTail · 30/07/2016 21:16

ToadsJustfell you mentioned you were raped. I am very sorry that happened to you.

ToadsJustFellFromTheSky · 30/07/2016 21:16

I read some of the comments on that daily mail link and I wish I hadn't.

Just Angry AngryAngry

LardLizard · 30/07/2016 21:18

and thsi

NewStartNewName · 30/07/2016 21:18

Story is just readily available since his mothers suicide, first one people find

LardLizard · 30/07/2016 21:21

Also toad, if say my dad got mug on night, no one would say, well you shouldn't have been out on your own late at night

It really makes me angry

NewStartNewName · 30/07/2016 21:27

Lizard you are absolutely right, but the way the world is now, women have to be more careful. It is not right but there are things I just won't do to out myself in a vulnerable situation - as a woman I shouldn't have to do this, but I do

NewStartNewName · 30/07/2016 21:28
  • put myself

I will just add to save answering it in a minute - no, no woman/man/child deserves it/asks for it, but if I can limit times I'm vulnerable then I will

grannytomine · 30/07/2016 21:32

ToadsJustFellFromTheSky, I'm not saying anyone made false accusations but I do think it is unfair when people say he was probably guilty because most men accused of rape are. We don't know and never will.

LardLizard · 30/07/2016 21:37

New start, that's really depressing

ToadsJustFellFromTheSky · 30/07/2016 21:37

Um yes granny that is exactly my point.

ToadsJustFellFromTheSky · 30/07/2016 21:39

I just won't do to out myself in a vulnerable situation

Surely the situation is only vulnerable because there is a rapist present?

NewStartNewName · 30/07/2016 21:42

It is depressing, but you don't know who's about. Whether it me a rapist, mugger etc I just don't trust the world

NewStartNewName · 30/07/2016 21:43

Be not me - sorry

LardLizard · 30/07/2016 21:50

New start, so in what ways do you limit yourself?

Like what things do you not do because of fear ?

NewStartNewName · 30/07/2016 21:51

And as if I needed it - just reading about a friend being assaulted earlier this week.

AyeAmarok · 30/07/2016 21:53

Lock up your vagina, women. Don't put yourself in a vulnerable position.

NewStartNewName · 30/07/2016 21:53

It's not fear - just sensible! I wouldn't be out walking late at night, I don't take my dogs remote places on my own. I don't think I'm going to get attacked every time I leave the house, but then I don't think I'm going to have a car crash everyday, but I still wear a seat belt

NewStartNewName · 30/07/2016 21:55

I have not stated all attackers are male, vaginas are optional. Men are also raped too.

AyeAmarok · 30/07/2016 21:55

Some neighbourly advice.

Why are people so defensive towards alleged rapists?
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