06-25-2022, 04:21 PM
Quote: @Vikergirl said:
You do raise very good points. It is an imperfect world. Kits are not always available or used, samples are not always tested, cases are not always prosecuted and more. There are good reasons to come forward but the system does not always function as it should. Agreed no problem there.@IDVikingfan said:
I am fully aware that rape is not a private matter and of the public interest angle. I am also aware of credibility being questioned as far as victims and survivors are concerned. I am aware of a system that works against us. I am aware of the backlog of rape kits that are not being tested. These kits languish in a storage facilities, sometimes evidence gets lost. Sometimes prosecutors or district attorneys decide a case isn't strong enough. Sometimes serial rapists are allowed to continue because kits are not being tested. This is not law and order, the crime is not solved in a hour. It is not nice, neat and tidy. So no victims don't want to let the perp walk but the system may do that anyway. Working with victims and survivors, I have personally seen that emergency contraception is not always easily available. I definitely understand why so many rapes and assaults go unreported.@Vikergirl said:
Sure some women report and others do not, but some are traumatized after reporting. I remember as a 13 year old the disgusting questions I got from my guidance counselor and law enforcement. I remember officers asking what I did to provoke him. I remember being asked about what mixed signals I was sending off because as a 13 year old apparently I was responsible for a grown man losing control or giving in to his urges (the officer's words not mine).
I got asked about what I was wearing and what I said to him and so on. So sure going through that and then having to bring the police report to the doctor as proof of victimization like some sort of grotesque brand isn't bad enough. Shame and guilt the girl or woman again and as much as possible just because like here's my rape papers doc. And I know my situation happened years ago but the process of reporting for victims and survivors is still awful. It is psychologically damaging. It stays with you. But again why should a woman be forced to divulge that to her doctor? Again regardless of the reason for her decision, why does she have to be burdened repeatedly in order to make a decision about her life and her body whether other people like it or not? Doesn't she matter at all? Where is her voice? I totally understand that rape is a horrible violation and would never wish it on anyone. As you state, talking about the rape to a doctor and the police is further traumatizing. However, rape is not a private matter between the victim and the rapist. It is in the public interest to protect women by prosecuting rapists. Justice and punishment of the perp can only occur if he is identified and evidence is gathered. So the flipside decision has to be made. Let the perp walk and potentially rape again or identify and allow evidence to be collected so the perp can be prosecuted and punished. We would all prefer that women were never in this situation leading to a need to make the above decision.
Emergency contraception should be easily and readily available in the case of rape. I would imagine that provision is automatic during a hospital visit and I believe available from other sources as well but I have no idea on what is required to obtain it
The state does have an interest in getting rape prosecuted, thus encouraging victims to come forward. And based on the Idaho abortion law, legislators are offering the exemption to those need it but one must provide documentation. If not requiring some degree documentation, than all of the sudden, all unplanned pregnancies in Idaho will be due to rape. May be the legislators thinking but I don't know for sure since not a participant in their discussions.
