Rape - Beware

tripped of self-dignity. Tortured, tormented. This is rape and it happens to over 700’000 women internationally each year, and the number of victims accumulates staggeringly with the added number of male rapes. Rape is a hidden crime, with less than 50% of cases reported to the police. It is a crime which has been committed throughout history, but has been overshadowed by taboo in society. At last, in the twenty-first century, the darkness surrounding rape and its victims is beginning to clear.

The most frightening statistic to young people of our age, is that as many as 61% of all female rape victims are 18 or under. Human rights should entitle us to be protected by law, but in Europe and on other continents this is rarely the case.

In most countries, the governing laws of how sexual assault cases are handled makes it tremendously difficult for convictions to occur. It is estimated that just 6% of men charged with rape this year will be convicted. Most laws are out of touch and reflect the views of an ageing society. The definition of rape in Britain was updated in 1994, however this did little to boost the number of convictions. The biggest step in the right direction, in Britain, came in September when the right to cross-examine rape victims was removed. For the victims, being forced to relive and share the sordid details of their ordeal was seen as an act of humiliation and another victory for the victor.

The biggest myth that surrounds rape is that it is most likely to occur in a dingy street corner by an unknown assailant. This is not the case. More than a third of rapes are committed in the home and about 80% are committed by someone that the victim is aquatinted with. Often victims are worried about the consequences of reporting someone they know, or losing credibility themselves. This can often lead to denial, self-blame and depression. This is part of something known as Rape Trauma Syndrome.

This is not all, a high percentage of rape victims have flashbacks and can show signs of anti-social behaviour, such as lack of confidence. It is essential that victims of rape receive a great deal of support and see a counsellor to lessen the physiological effects of their ordeal.

Rape is a distressing crime showing the dominance of one human being over another, one which we together must combat. While the European Human Rights Court assesses and reviews the rape laws in European countries here’s a few simple steps to ensure your own safety:

• Carry a whistle or alarm that may scare off an attacker and attract the attention of others.
• React quickly to an attacker and fight back within the first twenty seconds. Beware if the attacker has a weapon.
• Stay alert, be aware of those around you, so if an attack or an attempted attack takes place you can identify the assailant.
• If you are attacked, tell someone it is not your fault and the attacker must be prevented from repeating the attack.

If you have been raped, or someone you know has, gain help and support immediately. Get in touch with a national victim support helpline and the police. Prevent a repeat attack by your assailant.

Website: Go to Yahoo & type in Rape Support for a list of organisations, support and information groups.

Bishop Heber High School

Samantha Rich

EDUCATION