There seems to be a growing trend of slighting what some view as the “perfect victim”. This is particularly nasty as it often comes from other victims and campaigners.
No one asks to the victim of rape or sexual violence!
But playing victims off against each other helps no-one, but the rapists. Men, women and children are raped; some by people they know, some by people that they have had previous relationships with; some by strangers; some by soldiers; some by trusted relatives; some by officials – but all have one thing in common – they are all violated, and they all have to cope with how that feels.
In the UK it is estimated that about 10% – 12% are raped by strangers and 88% – 90% are raped by known offenders. It is also accepted that many people will not report the rape that happens to them, so the actual figures will never be fully known. However, the assumption is that these figures would reflect the unreported cases too.
There are many myths that everyone needs to understand are myths. One of these is about the “perfect victim”. There is no such thing as a perfect victim, no one should be a victim. There are victims for whom it may be easier to secure a prosecution, but even then that is not always a given. No victim can ever be given a water tight guarantee that their rapist will be found guilty. And giving evidence and going through the criminal justice process is not an easy process or experience. There will always be people who doubt victims.
There may be more doubt about some cases (in some people’s eyes) but that is not any victim’s fault. The fault lies with those who categorise who is deserving of rape and who isn’t. But, no one deserves to be raped. Making any definition, can also foster and promote the myth.
Rape is vile, Rape is evil, and we need to move away from blaming any victim for rape.
Jill,
I am somewhat disappointed with your attitude to the Adam Johnson situation.
You say he should be suspended by his Club, Sunderland—his employers–after being charged with offences against a 15 yr old girl.
Why? He is still ony ACCUSED—not convicted. No one–outside of the accused and supposed victim–plus the police and Crown prosecution can know the circumstances of what took place.
Let me say here that I am totally on your side regarding such offences, rape etc. However I am totally against ANYONE being condemned–especially by “do-gooders” or groups who have a vested interest in convictions of such persons–out of hand–before the full facts are known.. That smacks of victimization.
It is not right of you to try and get fans to boycott the Sunderland games—totally wrong! The Club will have interviewed Johnson and perhaps his version of events is not that of his accuser—who knows—I don’t and you certainly don’t.
Should Adam Johnson be found NOT GUILTY–are you going to apologise to him for your stance? I bet not! As I’m sure you are aware—15 yr old girls can look much older–especially on a night out. It is also a fact of life that such young girls tend to have infatuations on some football players. Could it be that Johnson actually met this young girl at a club—she was rebuffed and has made accusations against him which are totally unfounded? It happens—and that brings me to the fact that the accused’s name is made public—but not that of the victim( when it might turn out the roles are reversed) The accused must live with that —false–accusation and their name being publicized –and the accuser remains anonymous. That is not just.
As for Sunderland Football Club, I think they have acted correctly, in that Johnson is an employee, and he can legally continue to work—as with all accused persons who have not been convicted.
Justice must be seen to be done—and that is set to happen in Court.
You –and others like you–should keep quiet!
Robert—and yes, I am a Sunderland fan—of 66yrs standing.
When anyone who works with children or vulnerable adults is accused of any form of sexual crime, safeguarding policies state that the person should be suspended, pending further police investigation. Prevention must always be better than cure.
Jill,
I am somewhat disappointed with your attitude to the Adam Johnson situation.
You say he should be suspended by his Club, Sunderland—his employers–after being charged with offences against a 15 yr old girl.
Why? He is still ony ACCUSED—not convicted. No one–outside of the accused and supposed victim–plus the police and Crown prosecution can know the circumstances of what took place.
Let me say here that I am totally on your side regarding such offences, rape etc. However I am totally against ANYONE being condemned–especially by “do-gooders” or groups who have a vested interest in convictions of such persons–out of hand–before the full facts are known.. That smacks of victimization.
It is not right of you to try and get fans to boycott the Sunderland games—totally wrong! The Club will have interviewed Johnson and perhaps his version of events is not that of his accuser—who knows—I don’t and you certainly don’t.
Should Adam Johnson be found NOT GUILTY–are you going to apologise to him for your stance? I bet not! As I’m sure you are aware—15 yr old girls can look much older–especially on a night out. It is also a fact of life that such young girls tend to have infatuations on some football players. Could it be that Johnson actually met this young girl at a club—she was rebuffed and has made accusations against him which are totally unfounded? It happens—and that brings me to the fact that the accused’s name is made public—but not that of the victim( when it might turn out the roles are reversed) The accused must live with that —false–accusation and their name being publicized –and the accuser remains anonymous. That is not just.
As for Sunderland Football Club, I think they have acted correctly, in that Johnson is an employee, and he can legally continue to work—as with all accused persons who have not been convicted.
Justice must be seen to be done—and that is set to happen in Court.
You –and others like you–should keep quiet!
Robert—and yes, I am a Sunderland fan—of 66yrs standing.
When anyone who works with children or vulnerable adults is accused of any form of sexual crime, safeguarding policies state that the person should be suspended, pending further police investigation. Prevention must always be better than cure.
A drunken slut who goes two’s up with football players then pleads amnesia the following morning is not comparable with a vicar’s daughter who was savaged by an animal, even if Mr Justice Leonard thought she was.
http://guides.wikinut.com/Debunking-Feminist-Rape-Myths/3wq8hrbc/
Ultimately rape is about consent.
A drunken slut who goes two’s up with football players then pleads amnesia the following morning is not comparable with a vicar’s daughter who was savaged by an animal, even if Mr Justice Leonard thought she was.
http://guides.wikinut.com/Debunking-Feminist-Rape-Myths/3wq8hrbc/
Ultimately rape is about consent.