uva rape culture

[ivan]

what is sad is that no one wants to talk about it.

is that true? doesn't the recent national conversation point to the opposite conclusion? i'm interested in seeing too how the new "yes means yes" law in california works out, as opposed to the tired old arugment (at least at uva) of how it's all b/c of the culture of fraternaties and it'll simply go away if they ban the frats.

[tvashtarkatena]

It is true. I've known 5 victims of rape (not just attempted) personally - not one reported it. All were assaulted before their teens were over - when they were most vulnerable and least inclined to come forward. A common response to that kind of violence is to distance oneself psychologically from the incident - to bury it, hide it, etc. All kinds of deep emotions are involved, not the least of which is shame. Victims also report fearing further violence from the rapist.

 

Over 80,000 American women report being raped to police every year, but studies indicate this is under reported by as anywhere from 75 to 95%. That translates to more than a million rapes - every year. Attempted rapes? Who knows?

 

It's a huge problem in the US. Part of the solution is to expose and prosecute would be and actual rapists alike, to make examples of them (being a felony sex offender is no picnic) and help ensure they're not free to do it again, but that's easier said than done due to the natural human response to this particular crime.