Why are people so defensive towards alleged rapists?

[PinkyofPie]

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 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

"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"

The majority of rapists are known to the victim; a large number are in a relationship with the victim.

I'm interested to know if you avoid relationships with men, as statistically that's your best bet.

You can mock all you want, but I can either Trust myself not to be in a vulnerable situation or I have to trust the rest of the world - I know which I find easier.

I have not stated all attackers are male, vaginas are optional.

Sorry, I misunderstood this post of yours:

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

And thought you were talking about women. My mistake. Of course, men can have a vagina too.

I've been with my husband 15 years so not an issue

God, you are so fucking ignorant, aren't you.

Of course, men can have a vagina too.

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

No mentioning of it here, of which I was referring.

If you feel safe out and about on your own that's great - however I don't so will continue the way I do

Ignorant how?

Given the teeny, tiny percentage of rapes that happen when you're out and about alone in the dark, versus when you're with a man you know, you'd be a lot less likely to be raped spending all your time outside alone than in the company of men who are husbands/partners/friends/colleagues/ acquaintances.

Although maybe less likely to have your purse stolen. Which is apparently comparable.

I was asked if I avoid relationships with men - which was what the comment about my husband was about, I can 100% guarantee he won't be raping me. As for friendships my circle is female.

My comment involved mugging as it is a vulnerable situation. I have just read that a friend was mugged and kicked unconscious earlier this week - so yes while it is rare it does happen and I will avoid putting myself in vulnerable situations

Relationships don't just mean romantic ones. Do you never come into contact with other men you know, other than your husband? Do none of your friends have partners? Don't you work? Have hobbies?

I don't very often tbh, work doesn't bring me into contact with people and I don't have hobbies as such (thinking I need to get out more.....)

Ffs this thread is awful. Proves OPs point though.

Gone has said that she thinks people accused of child abuse should be granted anonymity

No accused person should have a right of anonymity. It is not in the interest of justice. It is absolutely essential that other victims should have the opportunity to come forward if they recognise a pattern.

It also occasionally will lead witnesses to come forward who support the defence case.

Oh and as someone who is female and who has lived in and walked home alone in cities at night for 40 years I'm really irked at this "don't put yourself in a vulnerable position " line.

Proves OPs point though.

It's a bit ironic really.

If i didn't "put myself in a vulnerable position" by walking in quiet places and taking quiet trains I wouldn't be able to work. Should women not work? Would that make us "safer"?

I wouldn't be out walking late at night, I don't take my dogs remote places on my own.

I've been reading but haven't posted because I have not thought through the issues as others - but ffs.

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/whatsapp-rape-trial-jury-unable-11594138

This about the Nottingham rowers who filmed an unconscious girl being raped. (There was an earlier thread when this was first in the news.)

The jury have been unable to decide o a verdict so there will be a new trial. Even with the film the men made showing this rape, some jury members must think she gave consent. I think, to use the cup of tea analogy, not [to the tea pots' minds] being all that drunk, dancing with the tea pot earlier, going to the tea shop with them in a taxi, then entering the tea shop with them, was alleged by the defence to be the consent for the actual cup of tea.(www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3675825/Rowing-coach-accused-raping-student-claims-s-shy.html)

One of them sent the film to their WhatsApp group called the Gruesome Threesome. The seem to boast about how many women they can get. They probably genuinely do not think they have raped this girl, but got another virile conquest. (www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/29/university-rowers-accused-of-filming-rape-of-drunk-student/)

I can't help feeling glad they have been named, because at the least they are a form of predator. People do need to watch out for them. Even if they are acquitted of rape, they are guilty of being extremely nasty people and they do not even have the excuse of being as young as Brock Turner was. Two of them with a drunk, younger girl and so proud of themselves they sent evidence of their prowess out.

It's sad how many people a) don't recognise rape or sexual abuse when it happens to them or b) want to try to pretend it's something one can avoid by behaving in certain ways. It's sad :(

Surely women who put themselves in vulnerable places are just asking for it, d'you what I mean?

Ffs, a rapist will find someone to rape, vulnerable or not. All it's doing is saying 'rape the next person'.

Telling women to keep themselves safe is yet another rape myth. Are you ticking them off a list newstart?

kind I am surprised they got acquitted. Total double standards. The men get to set up whatsapp groups about being predatory shits but they aren't rapists while the woman gets disbelieved for potentially dancing provocatively in a club while pissed. Ffs.
It is so depressing.

I have said no one asks for anything, and I have no list, I just do what to me is sensible.

New, what about women that in the winter need to walk home from work in the dark , or at least to their car