HRW: Sexism trumps justice in rape cases

[The Straight Story]

HRW: Sexism trumps justice in rape cases


UNITED NATIONS, March 7 (UPI) -- Rape and sexual violence victims globally are denied justice because of gender discrimination and stigmatization, two reports presented in New York concluded.

Human Rights Watch, an international organization that advocates for human rights, presented the reports Sunday at the United Nations, as part of International Women's Day. The reports examined sexual violence worldwide, and specifically in Cambodia, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

"In poor and rich countries alike, women who are raped or abused have little chance of seeing their attackers brought to justice," Widney Brown, Amnesty International senior director of international law and policy said. "It is shocking that in the 21st century with so much legislation designed to ensure women's equality, that virtually every government fails to protect women or to ensure that their abusers are held to account for their crimes."

The reports concluded that obstacles facing sexual abuse and domestic violence victims include "inadequate, negative or dismissive responses by police, medical and judicial personnel." Citing "pervasive indifference of authorities," Amnesty International said many women feel shame or blame themselves and don't report the crimes against them -- and when women do go to the police they rarely get "reparation and justice."

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/03/07/HRW-Sexism-trumps-justice-in-rape-cases/UPI-24111268017551/

[lunatica]

1. Women have been saying this for decades

But since men are usually the perpetrators and men still hold sway, the issue is ignored or minimized.

Flame away. I have to go to work but I'll be checking in this evening when I get home.

[left coaster]

3. Absolutely.. ignored or minimized...

..and anyone who would flame you for saying so is talking out their ass on this one.

[seabeyond]

5. further, we then get the statistic that rape is down, ergo there is not a problem

though FBI report will be the first to state numbers are not indicative of reality due to lack of females reporting rape. 30%-70% not reported. cant even come up with a reasonable number on what isnt reported

[Odin2005]

2. No fucking DUH.

That's why the fucker that raped my friend with cerebral palsy got off will a slap on the hand.

[Echo In Light]

4. k/r