A young woman who was sexually assaulted after getting into a man’s car on the promise he would drive her to a bus depot was called “stupid” and “naive” by the Calgary judge who tried her case. Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse executive director Deb Tomlinson had this to say about Justice John Rooke’s comments:
“I think by making these comments, this judge is doing a disservice to all of society… By pointing the finger at the victim, and not at the offender where it belongs … it is going to keep more women from coming forward and reporting these crimes.”
In Canada, only 8% of sexual attacks are reported. I’m guessing this climate of victim-blaming has something to do with that statistic.
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four comments
The judge has punished the rapist. His comment is really a caution to all potential victims not to be naive or stupid as to accept a ride. The real point is getting into the car of a stranger was a stupid decision which the vulnerable girl should have avoided.
Posted by rajan
December 16, 2007, 9:16 PM
"a stupid decision" and a "vulnerable girl"
Blaming the victim only serves to perpetuate the myth that women somehow bring rape on themselves, as well as negates the responsibility of the rapist.
Rape (or "sexual assault") conviction rates in Canada are very low (and very hard to find). There is a wide discrepancy in the literature, putting conviction rates somewhere between 2% and 20%.
Regardless, women's Charter rights are routinely violated in rape investigations and prosecutions, which is one of the reasons that very few cases are even reported in the first place.
Posted by John
December 17, 2007, 12:08 AM
I agree the judge had no business lecturing the girl.
That does not mean that what he said was wrong.
Posted by OMMAG
December 19, 2007, 11:32 AM
Ok. I think that the judge had NO right whatsoever to say anything like that to the girl. No woman brings rape on themselves and that should not eveen be a thought. obviously, this situation is one of the main reasons that rape is no longer reported to it's fullest extent.
Posted by anonymous
April 28, 2008, 11 AM
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