NCJ Number
92303
Journal
World Medicine Volume: 17 Issue: 11 Dated: (March 6, 1982) Pages: 47-48,51-52
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article contends that routine, prejudiced disbelief of the rape victim is the biggest single barrier to prosecution and that until police attitudes and medical procedures change, the conviction rate of rapists will remain low.
Abstract
The misconception that female victims of rape are 'asking for it' remains dominant among males -- professionals such as doctors and police officers as well as among rapists themselves. Male authorities tend to disbelieve victims' allegations of rape incidents. As a result, few cases are reported. Although the police cannot act without evidence, a woman who fears she will be treated as a liar and a hysteric will not report. Ironically, women and the police feel that victims stand the best chance of surviving if they do not resist, which leaves them without proof of assault. It is essential that the examining doctor take as his premise that the girl is telling the truth so that he will be better motivated to find the evidence showing that this is so. Currently in Great Britain, a man's chances of committing rape and getting away with it are about 90 percent. A photograph is included.