Pubdate: Wed, 12 Sep 2001
Source: Deseret News (UT)
Copyright: 2001 Deseret News Publishing Corp.
Contact:  http://www.desnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/124
Author: Abigail Van Buren

REPORT ACQUAINTANCE RAPE QUICKLY

Dear Abby: You were correct to advise "Survivor in San Francisco" that 
acquaintance rape must be reported as soon as possible. Drug rapes can be 
difficult to prove. GHB (a common incapacitating drug) leaves the victim's 
body in 12 hours without a trace. Filing charges immediately enables police 
to obtain a search warrant to look for evidence that supports the charges 
- -- such as vials of drugs, or drug residue in a glass.

A friend of mine was drugged and raped last summer. After the rapist was 
arrested, other victims came forward. No one knows for sure how many 
victims there are, but it's alleged that he had been drugging and raping 
for years.

I believe that failure to report such a crime makes one an accomplice. The 
price of freedom is eternal vigilance; part of one's responsibility as a 
citizen is to fight for justice. If any of the previous victims had 
reported their rape, perhaps my friend might not have been raped.

I'd also like to begin a campaign to eliminate from the lexicon the words 
"date rape" and "acquaintance rape." "Incapacitation rape" is more 
appropriate. Criminals should be reported, tried and punished accordingly 
if found guilty. Angry Boyfriend in Vermont

Angry Boyfriend: I agree. It is unfortunate that in cases of sexual 
assault, many people still tend to blame the victim. And because of that 
mind-set, many rape victims also blame themselves for what happened to 
them. Until that attitude changes, and until parents get the message across 
to their children of both sexes that women have the right to say no to sex, 
sexual assaults will continue. Victims must find the courage to report 
these crimes.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl