by guest blogger Genevieve
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/10493611-418/rape-victim-sues-harvey-over-untested-rape-kit.html
The above link directs to an article published on February 7,
2012. The article details an on-going lawsuit between a correctional
officer and a (now adult) ward of the court. The suit alleges that
Robert Buchanan raped 11-year-old “Jane Doe” – further the victim is
charging the Harvey Police Department for gross negligence after
failing to process her rape-kit for 10 years. Jane Doe’s rape kit was
one of over 200 unprocessed rape kits found in a recent police raid.
The lack of a voice for sexual victims is an insidious oppression. The
thousands of unprocessed rape kits (in America) imply to those victims
that their body and security are not of concern.
An unfortunate problem with the voice for sexual victims is their unwillingness to talk. I understand what should be done. To create a voice you must get those who are victims involved. Many people after sexual assault want to forget it ever happened and move on. Getting the victim to voice anything is a challenge. In many cases even just getting the kit is hard work.
ReplyDeleteThis also just reinforces many victims belief that even if they did go through the process nothing will be achieved by pressing charges. So Not only is the fear of coming forward and having to relive the entire experience a blocker, it is compounded by the lack of timely and effective responses!
ReplyDeleteThis is a shame. It makes me wonder if the case was not taken seriously due to the fact that the victims step father worked in the prison system. It seems as though people are able to hide behind their jobs and not take responsibility for their actions. The fact that the victims took action to confront their rape and go get kits done and nothing was tested to find an assailant is disheartening. Hopefully one day everyone will be held accountable for their actions no matter what their job title is.
ReplyDelete