Alleged Rape Victim Admits Making Up Story

[ECH1969]

A woman who claimed that she was raped after parking her car outside a Newberg apartment complex now admits to making up the story.

The woman said she parked along South Everest Road when a man pushed her back in the car and raped her. She said she was visiting someone at the Canyon Ridge Apartments.

"It's very alarming. Most often when officers are investigating a sexual assault, the victim knows her attacker," Newberg Police Department spokeswoman Julie Carrasco told KOIN News 6 at the time.

But the woman now says the attack never happened. She is charged with filing a false police report.

http://www.koin.com/news.asp?ID=3744

[KitchenWitch]

1. Can I be so bold as to ask what your point is for posting this?

[ECH1969]

2. Two reasons

1. Because if you will notice they still don't release the women's name even if she falsely accuses someone of rape. The rape shield laws go too far in some areas.

2. I have heard far too many times over the past several weeks that it is impossible that a woman lie about rape.

I believe we should realize that people lie about crimes no matter what those crimes are.

[NMMNG]

3. Care to back that statement up?

2. I have heard far too many times over the past several weeks that it is impossible that a woman lie about rape.

Provide some proof of the alleged statements, if you will.

[ECH1969]

5. Go look it up for yourself

There have been enough threads.

[SeattleGirl]

12. No. You make the claim, you provide the evidence

Don't go around flinging accusations without something to back it up. I'm saying that because I've seen this too much. Someone makes a statement, or disputes something, but tells other people to "look it up". And "there have been enough threads" is a cop out. I am perfectly willing and able to look things up, but I'm not willing to waste my time doing your work for you.

Give me evidence backing up your statement. If I still disagree, then I will do my best to dispute you.

But right now, no way. I'm not going to do your work for you. If you have a point to make, BACK IT UP!!! Don't do those stupid drive-by snarks because you're too lazy to look up evidence and facts yourself. If you have something that can back up what you are saying, cool. I may or may not agree with you. But I promise you, you present me with evidence or facts to back up YOUR opinion, and I don't agree with it, I will do MY best to find evidence and facts to back up MY opinion. And, if I cannot find it, and if your evidence and facts back up your opinion, I will gladly acquiesce to you.

But until then, don't tell me, a woman, about rape. Don't tell me about what it's like. I know what it's like.

Just don't cop out. It's not very becoming a "liberal" to do that.

[Neil Lisst]

18. civility please

Why be so uncivil?

[NMMNG]

27. Let's see

He throws out a specious claim. Then when asked for evidence he sarcastically replies "go look it up yourself".

What sort of response did he expect back, praytell? :shrug:

[SeattleGirl]

28. Because I find nothing civil about rape, Mr. Lisst.

And, because, as I said in my post to the OP, I don't like it when people make statements that they couch in "truth" without any backup. If someone disagrees with an OP, I expect them to back it up. And if I make a statement, and if I ask someone why they think the way they do, I expect the courtesy of an answer. As I said, if someone can present me with facts and evidence that can support their stance, and it contradicts something I think, I really am open to that. Then, I will do MY work, and seek to find facts and evidence. What I find insulting is for someone to make statements, and then tell ME to do their work for them and back them up. Present ME with facts to back up your point, and I will do the same. But don't discount or diminish me because I am not willing to do the work someone else should have done.

As far as "civility" -- well, I am sorry you feel I am not civil. But as I said, where rape is concerned, there is not much civility involved in rape. Have I been raped? No. But, I have experienced several attempts, and thank The Maker, the attempts were interrupted. But the attempts were frightening enough that I am glad I never had to experience the whole thing.

This may sound like an insult to you, but men really do not understand what women go through. Even if a woman has never experienced an attempted rape, the threat is always there. Thus, my seeming lack of "civility". Sometimes, it's a bit difficult to be thus.

[Neil Lisst]

35. it's one of the rules, that's why I asked you

There seems to be a presumption by some that if one's cause is righteous, that gives rise to the right to be rude to other posters.

[SeattleGirl]

46. So, you are saying that I was rude?

Why? I stand by what I said. If you are going to attack me ("you" meaning anyone who would do that) then please back it up.

I do not feel I should have to be "civil" to someone who would attack a woman who has been raped, and who isn't willing or able to back it up with facts.

Am I emotional about this topic? You bet I am! But I am not some weeping crying little girl, Mr. Lisst. Asking for facts to back up an opinion is NOT weeping and crying. Its a rather "male" thing to do, actually. In fact, I would venture to guess that if I were SeattleBoy instead of SeattleGirl, would you even be questioning my "civility".

And BTW, I make no apologies for my feelings about rape. You want to ask me about specifics, fine. As I said, I will do my best to back my opinions up. If I can't, I will admit it.

But apologize for how I feel about the topic of rape itself? No way.

[LostinVA]

81. SG -- do not feed the Lisst

Tye Lisst is not a "MIster," and only craves attention and food. If you feed the Lisst, it will keep on gamboling about wildly and slurping up the food. Do not feed the Lisst. The Lisst will still post, but the effect will be truly diluted.

btw... you rock, Seattle Girl! I haven't told you that lately.

[NMMNG]

49. Why are you not asking ECH1969 to be civil

His response of "Go look it up yourself, there have been enough threads" was hardly the epitome of civility.

[Neil Lisst]

53. I didn't consider it uncivil.

Perhaps he should have added "please," but people who constantly ask others to look things up for them are annoying. It's like asking someone to feed and burp you. There's a search function. If it really matters, look it up.

And I mean that in a most cordial way.

[SeattleGirl]

56. That is exactly what I was saying, Mr. Lisst.

So why did you think I was being uncivil? Angry? Yep, you bet. But angry does not equal uncivil, in my opinion. This is a topic that angers me deeply, and for that, I offer no apology. Facts You want 'em. I'll do my best to find them. But don't diss me because of my anger. Again, anger does not mean not being civil. It simply means being angry, often for a very good reason.

[Neil Lisst]

59. there's a decided lack of civility by your side of this argument

That is what I object to. You attack others at DU who disagree with you, and think your status as one who empathizes with the alleged victim gives you license to insult.

I'm telling you it is in the rules, and if you think you're being civil, that's your decision. It's mine to remind you that you're not, and that you're violating the site rules of decorum.

[KitchenWitch]

61. Are you a moderator, or administrator?

No, I see that you are not. If you have a problem with some people's posts here, you can certainly use the alert feature, and let them decide who is or is not breaking what rules around here.

[Neil Lisst]

63. No, but I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night

The rules state that you should use the alert system, but you should not tell someone you are using it.

The rules require civility, and I'm reminding some posters of that because the lack of civility on this topic is chronic and unwarranted.

[KitchenWitch]

66. You appear to be the only one with the issue.

[SeattleGirl]

67. Stop telling me that I am uncivil

Dammit, tell the OP that he was being uncivil by basically saying a woman who may have been raped is in the wrong. Why are you going after me? Do I make you uncomfortable????

[Karmakaze]

74. Wait... what?

by basically saying a woman who may have been raped is in the wrong.

Wait... maybe I don't understand what you are saying. Are you really trying to say that the woman refered to in the OP was NOT in the wrong? Even though she admitted to lying about being raped? Seriously?

[SeattleGirl]

65. No way

I will follow the rules of DU, and I have done that from the beginning of my membership here. But following the rules does not mean that I have to allow someone who does not "get it" to run roughshod over me. If that strikes you as rude, then so be it. I offer no apologies to men who will diss women who may be victims of rape. The fact that you are attacking me in this way says a lot to me, and it is not good.

[MrScorpio]

69. Neil Lisst, this line of posting is uncalled for

The anger and emotion is completely understandable and if you know ANYTHING about women, I would suggest that you let it go.

Some women are sick and tired of told to behave themselves.

This dynamic that you're engaged in goes well beyond this rap story, believe you me.

[Neil Lisst]

96. MrScorpio, your posting is uncalled for

This isn't a matter of who thinks he's a "ladies man."

[NMMNG]

60. When a person makes a claim

It is customary for that person to be expected to provide the evidence for said claim.

For him to demand that I (or anybody else) look it up was rude and pure BS.

If I claimed as part of an argument that a dozen DUers in the past week had made a particular statement, would you expect me to provide evidence of such, or should I tell you to look it up yourself?

[Neil Lisst]

68. If it were a matter which had been talked about nonstop for a week ...

... I wouldn't feign ignorance and ask someone to prove it.

[Random_Australian]

70. it is not feigning ignorance - merely pointing out that those threads'

controversial content is in the eye of the beholder.

When they do reply, you can say that it meant nothing of the sort.

[NMMNG]

73. I'm not feigning ignorance

I never saw the statement he claims was made:

2. I have heard far too many times over the past several weeks that it is impossible that a woman lie about rape.

I've never seen that statement made here at DU. That is why I asked him to back it up with links to the appropriate sources. If such statements existed it should have been a simple task.

I didn't make the claim, therefore I should not be required to do the research. The burden of proof is on the one making the claim, particularly a claim such as this.

[SeattleGirl]

54. Bravo, Buffy!

Of course, the answer is: ECH1969 is a male. I am but a lowly female. 'nuf said, right?

[KitchenWitch]

55. Exactly

Remember, well behaved women rarely make history.

[LostinVA]

82. Yup, people some people loathe UPPITY women

Including many males on DU. Or rather, a certain cabal of males. Most of our DU guys are great -- right Mr. SCorpio?

[dr.strangelove]

86. Right On!!

[Name removed]

44. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

97. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LostinVA]

79. You can't back it up, so you ask us to prove a negative

Won't work, ain't gonna happen.

You're the one making up statements and statistics, and you know it. Tsk tsk

[KitchenWitch]

6. How about the up to 50% of rapes that go unreported every year

Because of how the defense has open season on the victims that do report.

[ECH1969]

9. That is no reason not to let the defense examine why the accused

might have lied.

There is a differece between putting the sex life of the accused on trial and not allowing the Defense to actually put up a defense.

I fear the US has created a system when it comes to rape like the French system where men are assumed guilty until proven innocent. And, in the US system the man and his name is reported constantly the second he is accused and the women doesn't have to worry about her name coming out even if she had been lying.

[NMMNG]

15. The woman in question was a teenager

Though slightly over the age of majority, she still was technically a teenager. That may be why they chose not to print her name in the stories:

Newberg teen reports rape
Published: April 22, 2006

The News-Register staff

NEWBERG - A 19-year-old woman told Newberg police Tuesday night that she had been raped in the 400 block of South Everest Street.

snip
http://www.newsregister.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=206975




That is no reason not to let the defense examine why the accused
might have lied.

There is a differece between putting the sex life of the accused on trial and not allowing the Defense to actually put up a defense.

I fear the US has created a system when it comes to rape like the French system where men are assumed guilty until proven innocent. And, in the US system the man and his name is reported constantly the second he is accused and the women doesn't have to worry about her name coming out even if she had been lying.


The article you posted said that the woman had been charged with filing a false police report. The prosecution will then be able to delve all it wants into the lie she told and any repercussions it had. Then her name will be public record for any who are dying to know. The arrest alone has probably made it so.

[LostinVA]

84. I am curious to know the whole story

Because false accusations re: stranger rape is unusual. I'm having trouble with the link -- did she accuse a specific person?

[Kailassa]

75. And they didn't release the man's name either.

At least, it's not in the article you referenced.

[LostinVA]

78. Not one person has said that

[In_The_Wind]

4. So ~ What is it that you want to discuss?

[ECH1969]

7. Read post 2

I feel rape needs to be treated in the courts like any other crime including murder.

[In_The_Wind]

10. I think the victims need to be protected from scandalized reporting.

I did read post #2. I think you are reaching with the comment about:

it is impossible that a woman lie about rape.

Is it possible for a woman to be afraid to tell the truth?

[Name removed]

30. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Neil Lisst]

37. please be civil with others, and don't call them names

thanks

[Name removed]

45. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Random_Australian]

52. I'm with khashka.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

8. Okay, so one woman lied out of 1000's of victims...

I see no reason in posting this. It's just fueling the fire of people who are looking to discount rape victims and their trauma. There's enough people out there who trivialize rape ("she asked for it" etc) that we don't need to be spreading articles like this. It's the sort of shit that Freepers live for.

[Karmakaze]

76. Actually...

the most common figures I have seen suggest 2 to 3 percent of rape accusations are false. That would equate to around 2 to 3 THOUSAND false accusations each year in the US. An average of around 6 men EACH day are falsely accused of rape. And this is just in cases like the OP where the accuser recants. This does not take into account when the accuser sticks with the story and the accused is found guilty wrongfully or is acquited.

It seems to me that those numbers are NOT something that should be just ignored. At the same time, they should in no way be allowed to result in victims being discounted. But the automatic assumption of guilt from many is not only wrong and unjust, but is contributing to the treatment that rape victims receive for coming forward.

[LostinVA]

88. Nobody has ignored this numbers

But, there have been far too many posts the last few weeks saying tye number is closer to 40%, etc. It's infuriating me. And, I wonder if misidentification is included in that 2%? Being mistaken is NOT the same as making something up. And, since rape is the most underreported crime out there, how many rapes are never even reported?

THis is nothing but flambait.

[Karmakaze]

98. Actually no...

If you include misidentification then the number is indeed closer to 40% What I am talking about are cases where NO rape occured, not cases where the wrong person was accused of or found guilty for a rape that did occur. I have seen figures that suggest 8% for false accusations but I took the lowest I found (which was a similar number for false accusations of other crimes) in order to perhaps account for cases where a real rape victim recanted due to pressure etc.

Basically the false accusation rate for any crime hovers around 2 to 3 percent, so that seems to be a valid figure for genuine false accusations of rape as well.

As for misidentifcation, in one study, post conviction DNA testing suggested that 30% of the men convicted for rape were not the perpetrator. Of couse to get such a figure by DNA testing means that SOMEONE raped the victim, just not the man convicted of it. This also doesnt account for case where post conviction DNA testing was not possible due to lack of samples.

One thing that should be considered but is often overlooked is the acquittal rate. I have seen figures of between 70 to 95% percent for the acquittal rate. Of course some of these will be cases where insufficient evidence was obtained to get a guilty verdict, but some would also be where the defendant was genuinely innocent. Those cases are also not included in the false accusation number.

The point of all this is that false accusations and misidentifications do occur in fairly significant numbers, and as such assuming guilt is not only unjust but often wrong. Sometimes men really are innocent of rape.

[LostinVA]

87. That is exactly why it was posted

The OP has started other rape threads lately, too... usually ones with "provocative" headlines.

And, did this kid have: a SANE's testimony/rape kit that proved she was rape? Other eyewitnesses showing something weird had happened, etc.? Oh yeah... this case PROVES the Duke victim is lying about being raped. YUp...

[Neil Lisst]

11. the story is anecdotal, but the point is valid

Even the low estimates have false reports at 8%, and many have it going much higher.

It's an important reminder that not every accuser is the victim. Sometimes the accused is the victim.

[Random_Australian]

13. Possilbly only because the difference between the number

of fakes who report, and the number of reals who do the same. Your stats can be used to make the opposite point, that now women are so afraid to report that there are higher levels of unreported going on.

I don't have the trends in unreported stats on me though, but I see a few responders in here who may well know.
Edit: typo.

[Neil Lisst]

14. there are no definitive stats, as it's speculative

But both these statements are true:

*an alarming number of false reports are made

*many rapes that occur are not reported

The existence of the false reports makes the reporting of real rapes less likely, so major blame should be assessed on women who make false reports, for they bring much grief to real victims.

[Random_Australian]

16. Caution: Assigning major blame is more likely to stop women from

reporting. Just threaten to make it look like a false claim, and to someone already distressed as a rape victim, it would make it far too easy to get them to shut up.

This needs some thinking.

[Neil Lisst]

17. Caution: accusing the innocent is really serious, too

We can't hide the truth the false allegations, especially in high profile cases, just because it might trouble some citizens.

[Random_Australian]

22. True. I am not against hiding the names of the accused until the jury

decides. What say you?

And then leace enourmous range in the sentencing of the false accusers.

[U4ikLefty]

23. ...and check. Nice move!!! n/t

[Neil Lisst]

25. you're not a chess player, I see

it wasn't even check

it was a rook I had to move

[U4ikLefty]

29. right into a pawn-capture...lol!!!

Shall we publish the name of child-molestation victims as well???

Since you are sooo cautious of "secret trials".

BTW, how does not publishing the name of the rape-victim (or the accused) result in a "secret trial"???

weak move my friend..stick to checkers!!! Must go to sleep now, but will most likely be amused by your reponse.

Peace
U4ikLefty

[Neil Lisst]

40. I'll let you and the other poster play with each other

in your imaginary chess game. I'm going to rejoin the conversation.

[Neil Lisst]

24. this is a touchy area, but I'm not a believer in private criminal trials

Yes, it troubles greatly the accused and the accuser, but we cannot go the route of secret trials, and that's what your idea would mean.

[Random_Australian]

48. Not secret. We'll talk about this later, I have multiple trolls inbound.

ok one SPECTACULAR loon in R/T, but I gotta cover my sistahs here.....

[LostinVA]

89. That's because you're a good, UPPITY guy, RA!

[salin]

31. and in this case the right thing happened

she is being charged for filing a false support. Good. Those making the false accusations, and going to the point of filing charges - do great damage to the cases of real rape wreaking havoc on the accused and havoc on future victims who remain afraid to report due to skepticism perpetuated by the false accusals.

As you stated on another thread - each case is unique and ought to be treated as such - on its own merits.

[U4ikLefty]

19. Oh well then, that cinches it....the Duke boys are innocent!!!

:sarcasm:

[KitchenWitch]

20. ...

:yourock:

[Neil Lisst]

21. Seligman is. Don't know about the other guy.

But the case against Seligman is over. In view of his probable timeline and the lack of any DNA, among other things. IMHO.

[Moosepoop]

34. Speaking of the Duke situation...

Mike Nifong won the primary election yesterday with 45% of the vote,
and will remain the county's prosecuting attorney.
I think that fact may have a few people riled up and back into "attack the victim" mode.

[KitchenWitch]

38. Ah, I was wondering where this was coming from!

[Moosepoop]

43. Here's some links

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/la-na-durham3may03,1,1245549.story?coll=la-news-politics-national&track=crosspromo

Prosecutor in Duke Rape Case Wins Primary Election
Mike Nifong's victory over two critics nearly ensures he will head the controversial case against lacrosse players.
By Richard Fausset, Times Staff Writer
May 3, 2006


Mike Nifong, the lead prosecutor in the Duke University lacrosse scandal, defeated two strong critics in a Durham County, N.C., election Tuesday, virtually ensuring that he will head a controversial rape case that he has vowed to take to trial.

Nifong, who has spent more than 25 years in the Durham County district attorney's office, was facing his first-ever election after being appointed to the top prosecutor's job last year. His opponents, both private attorneys, said he mishandled the Duke case by criticizing the players before any arrests were made.

<snip>

Nifong received 45% of the vote in a Democratic primary that will almost definitely determine the winner in the November election, because no Republicans have joined in the race.




http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12601765/

<snip>

DURHAM, N.C. - The district attorney prosecuting two Duke University athletes on rape charges fought off two challengers in the Democratic primary Tuesday and vowed to continue pursuing the headline-grabbing case.

“The case continues to go forward,” said Mike Nifong, who insisted the election had not become a referendum on his handling of the investigation into rape allegations involving the school’s lacrosse team.

“There is no way to tell if it hurt or helped,” Nifong said. “I really felt like I was by far the best candidate. ... I’m glad that the people of Durham agree with me.”

[KitchenWitch]

47. Thanks!

:yourock:

[rucky]

26. And how many domestic assault victims rescind their charges?

usually because of intimidation.

I personally know of several.

I'm not saying this is the case, here, but it's a more likely possibility. (unless drugs were involved, then any crazy stunt is possible).

[Nikki Stone 1]

32. This was my first thought too--intimidation is still around

I am always suspicious of situations like this.

[Behind the Aegis]

33. The sad truth.

It does happen. False allegations. Although, more often than not, the allegations are true. However, it is cases like this that are shoved into the limelight, almost, as if, to discredit those who have been victims of rape. However, this is no different than any other crime. There have been many notable cases that turned out to be false.

We live in such a "sex-phobic" society, though, that crimes of violence that are associated with sex are often swept under the carpet. Violence against sex workers is almost NEVER reported. Incest is rarely reported, but happens more than most would like to think. Child victimization is often unreported. And, rape has been diluted by "PC standards." It is all because of this dysfunction of a society that still sees sex as a "dirty thing."

Until we, as a society, understand that sex is a natural thing, then the problems like this report will continue because people cannot distinguish between sex and violence. Rape is never about sex!

[KitchenWitch]

36. Great post, well thought out and written

thank you!

[Behind the Aegis]

39. Thank you!

Rape is a very important issue for me. I hate to see articles like this, but I know they are a reality. It is my hope that people realize this is the "exception, not the norm," when it comes to the reporting of rape, or any crime for that matter!

[KitchenWitch]

41. It is for me as well!

:hi:

I always enjoy reading your posts. Even when I disagree.

[Behind the Aegis]

42. I am glad to find others with the same passion.

:hi: to you!

As for disagreeing, it would be a very boring world if we all always agreed! Actually, it wouldn't be boring, it would be 1984!

:toast:

[LostinVA]

90. I agree -- but too many people see this situation and go, "See?!"

Like the OP. Like a certain cabal of misogynistic posters who have been literally attacking any and all rape victims on the Duke threads. Like one particular one on THIS thread.

[MrScorpio]

50. A few points

1. If this woman, did in fact file a false report, it should ONLY Be judged on the merits of this PARTICULAR CASE and NOT be determined as being indicative of any other cases.

There should NOT be any other point about this story other than that.

2. RAPES ARE UNDERREPORTED. PERIOD. There are more victims of this heinous crime than we will ever know. Rape victims know that they will be blamed for their victimhood... It is very much part of the process, beginning with the rapist, and continuing with friends, family and the authorities. This puts the victim on trial first. And it is utterly deplorable.

3. The dynamic of rape is completely misunderstood by most people. It not about sex, it is about power and invariably violence. Violence of the most intimate kind and about humiliation.

4. Rape is an epidemic. No sane or "nice" person ever rapes. That "nice boy", who raped is not nice at all. He (Or She) is sick.

5. Violence against women is nothing to be taken lightly, yet people in this country do it all the time.

6. People who are always expecting the victim to recant and admit falsehood, should assume nothing except that the matter should be fully investigate and the assailant tried.

7. Keeping the indentity of the victim concealed should always be the case, not matter the outcome. If the rape did not actually occur, and a false report filed, then it should be treated as any other case of filing a false report. Very few times does this ever make the papers now, does it.

I understand the anger here. I truly do.

Any effort to make light of the plight of rape victims should not be tolerated... And I see for some, it is not.

[KitchenWitch]

51. Thank you MrS!

Thank you.

[SeattleGirl]

58. Amen.

I echo Kitchey. Thank you, MrS. Thanks. It's nice to have a male voice in this discussion who isn't into blaming women for being victims of rape.

[Random_Australian]

57. ....

:applause:

[LostinVA]

92. I mentioned you up thread, RA!

[In_The_Wind]

72. Very well put, Mr Scorpio!

[LostinVA]

91. Wonderful post, Mr. S!

[ScreamingMeemie]

62. So I guess this means that every woman is lying. How sad that so

many cases of rape go unreported because of efforts to discredit the witness. How sad that many will read this story and continue to believe that women "ask for it", are "lying", or worse.

I don't understand how this story relates to the other, but I feel the point is trying to be made. And it sickens me.

With the reccurence of anti rape victim sentiment and attitudes of disbelief, I truly worry for my daughter.

[KitchenWitch]

64. I worry for my daughter and ALL women and girls.

:cry:

[dr.strangelove]

85. Me too Witch

Just keep telling people women "ask for it" and "lie about it." Thats the best way to deal with sex crimes.

I don't want to become an overprotective father, but if my daughter ever brings home a guy who tries to support reducing Rape Shield Laws I will throw him out of the house.

[dr.strangelove]

83. Exactly what Rape Shield Laws are for

This OP has no idea what he is talking about. Rape Shield Laws are meant to protect victims of rape from the efforts to discredit them that you mention. To suggest Rape Shield Laws go too far is freaking insane. I think you are sadly correct, many will read this story and continue to believe that women "ask for it" or are lying.

I join you in worry for our daughters.

[LostinVA]

93. That point is trying to be mad, Mrs. G.

Understand you worrying about your daughter. I worry about my own safety so much.

[Name removed]

71. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Kailassa]

77. I've known many women who made genuine reports,

then were threatened by their attacker, and were intimidated into saying it didn't happen because they were in fear of their lives. I'm not suggesting that happened in this case, but the fact is we can never be sure what really happened.

When I was attacked and nearly killed by a "friend" who was trying to rape me, the police were horrified by my appearance, blood everywhere and several broken bones. However, before taking a report, they still asked me to be absolutely certain that I would see the case right through, and not withdraw the charges, because they were so fed up with prosecuting bullies for badly abusing women, and then having the women wimp out at the last minute out of fear of the men. It was not only their time being wasted, these cops were good men, who really gave a damn and worried about the women concerned. It hurt them to try to help and then be able to do nothing.

Because they cared, they advised me to not charge the guy with attempted rape, because that would have completely changed the rules his attourney could use, so that my past could be used against me. And a girl does not have to have a bad past for that to be an issue, merely not being a prudish virgin is enough for them to start on.

My attacker was locked up for 3 days by the police, immediately after my attack, but then a judge freed him on bail, despite him having attacked 3 policemen and injured one at the station. (Some idiot had given this guy, Shane, martial arts training.) Knowing that Shane was obviously crazy, and having heard him threatening to kill me, the police then came to see me, suggesting I drop charges, because they were afraid he would kill me, and could not get me protection. I'm stubborn, and go on "feelings", and I felt it was best to go ahead with the case anyway.

I went ahead and and won, but I believed there was a good chance I would pay with my life for doing that. Many women live in fear, and can be controlled that way. We cannot expect others to take the risk that I did.

[dr.strangelove]

80. Rape Shield Laws

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
You actually stated that rape shield laws go too far in some areas. I am an Oregon attorney (though I am living in NY now, I practiced in Clackamas and Multnomah County for some time and am very familiar with the Oregon Rape Shield law). You obviously have no idea what a Rape Shield Law is. Oregon's law (which is the location of the link you posted) addresses intrusions into the private lives of rape victims in court. The law prevents a defense attorney or defendant from bringing a victim's prior sexual history into evidence. The law prohibits the admission of reputation or opinion evidence of a victim's past sexual behavior. Evidence of specific prior sexual conduct is NEVER admissible unless it relates to motive or bias of the victim, or is necessary to rebut or explain scientific or medical evidence offered by the state.

This has nothing to do with the press releasing the name of a victim or the police releasing the name of an alleged perpetrator. If you are going to post FLAMEBAIT like this, at least do a bit of research on the basis of your argument.

As for whether or not it is impossible that a woman would lie about a rape, okay Captain Obvious. There are people who would give a false report to police. Are you suggesting that this is a frequent practice. I have never seen a DUer who thinks that a person accused of rape does not deserve a trial or the chance to defend themselves. Nor would any DUer I know suggest that it is impossible for a woman to lie. I have yet to see this on DU and I encourage you to follow SeattleGirl's request and post a link to a DUer making this comment.

Rapes are a difficult crime to obtain a conviction. Only 2% of rapists are convicted and imprisoned. (US Senate Judiciary Committee 1993). In addition, rape is underreported. The FBI estimates that only 37% of all rapes are reported to the police. The U.S. Justice Department statistics are even lower, estimating only 26% of all rapes or attempted rapes being reported to law enforcement officials. (National Crime Victimization Survey, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 1996.)

Your comment suggests that women lie about rapes with some frequency. Do people falsely accuse others of sex crimes, sure. However, every two and a half minutes a woman is sexually assaulted.
One in six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape. In 2004, there were 209,880 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assaults according to the 2004 National Crime Victimization Survey. http://www.rainn.org/docs/statistics/ncvs2004.pdf
The rarity of false rape allegations does not justify a presumption of false reports rape. Every allegation of rape should be investigated. In the course of an investigation, every law enforcement officer must consider the victim's veracity. When a sex crime is falsely reported, it will either be discovered during the investigation or the trial phase. I still can't begin to comprehend the purpose of this thread.

I'm glad you believe we should realize that people lie about crimes no matter what those crimes are. If you think the number of false rapes justify making a presumption of false reporting, I am glad you are not a rape investigator.

[LostinVA]

94. I can comprehend the purpose of this thread

And, great post, Strangelove! I seriously am so appreciative of a man coming in here and joining the fray.

cyber hugs

[dr.strangelove]

95. You are welcome

As for the man issue, I'm not really sure it matters what sex you are on this issue. Rape is a horrific crime that effects all of us. 10% of reported sexual assaults are carried out against males. A sexual assault is a sexual assault. To suggest that there is some explosion of false reports of these horrific crimes is irresponsible and serves only to further the notion that victims should be presumed liars. That is both personally offensive and factually incorrect.