050979 Not unharmed (by RAPE)

I have just read the lengthy article in The Herald Statesman entitled "The Story Behind the Rape-sentencing," explaining the so-called "extenuating circumstances behind a recent lenient sentencing of an admitted rapist, whose victim was "uninjured." The article revealed the rapist's mental disability and the victim's background of prostitution and shoplifting.

As the member of the a feminist organization representing over 50 women and perhaps hundreds others in spirit, we are truly dismayed that these extenuating circumstances especially the victim's sexual history, are veiling the real issue, which is rape. Rape is a violent, physical abuse and cannot be considered as anything less than an aggressive, assaultive act. No rape victim is ever uninjured.

Certainly the assailant's mental status should be considered by the judge, but it is most disturbing to us that this crime was considered less harsh and so lightly because of the victim's questionable history.

 

Rape is the ultimate assault on women and will continue making all women potential victims as long as "rape" crimes are being treated in such a cavalier fashion.

 

 Yonkers Women's Task Force