http://www.geoffreport.com/wp/2007/02/08/rape-media-and-justice/ politics ~ theology ~ life ~ fart jokes Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:47:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.geoffreport.com/wp/2007/02/08/rape-media-and-justice/comment-page-1/#comment-2877 Christina Thu, 08 Feb 2007 04:42:46 +0000 http://www.geoffreport.com/wp/2007/02/08/rape-media-and-justice/#comment-2877 I think that removing the "taboo" unspeakable attitude towards rape is helpful, even if it is through the crassness (at times) of the media. Things that are not spoken about are brushed under the carpet, it can be as though they did not happen. I think this is helpful with other socially taboo areas too - eg elder abuse, child abuse etc. Speaking out about it removes some of the stigma and sense of aloneness that victims can feel, and means the rest of us can't pretend it does not happen. I think what discourages victims of crime from coming forward is the belief that nothing will be done about it. Often with sexual crimes the victim is on trial more than the perpetrator. There is little trust of the justice system. I have seen this particularly with young victims. Prosecutions with actual outcomes may encourage people to speak up. I think that removing the “taboo” unspeakable attitude towards rape is helpful, even if it is through the crassness (at times) of the media. Things that are not spoken about are brushed under the carpet, it can be as though they did not happen. I think this is helpful with other socially taboo areas too – eg elder abuse, child abuse etc. Speaking out about it removes some of the stigma and sense of aloneness that victims can feel, and means the rest of us can’t pretend it does not happen. I think what discourages victims of crime from coming forward is the belief that nothing will be done about it. Often with sexual crimes the victim is on trial more than the perpetrator. There is little trust of the justice system. I have seen this particularly with young victims. Prosecutions with actual outcomes may encourage people to speak up.

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