By Sarah for Bitchy But Bubbly.
I usually try to keep things light and fun here. But I’ve got to get something off of my chest. There is no such thing as a typical rapist or victim.
I am a prosecutor, and I want you to know that RAPISTS are not simply the people that kidnap you, put you in the trunk of a car, or rape you in an alley.
In fact, over the last eight years that I’ve been an attorney, most rapists I’ve met wouldn’t even come close to that definition. Most of the rapists I’ve prosecuted are well known to their victim. People wouldn’t ever suspect most rapists. Rapists have jobs. Rapists go to school. Rapists are married or in committed relationships. Rapists have children. Many rapists have never been in trouble before. Most people would describe rapists as good people. Most people say they’re “shocked” when the rapist is charged.
I know. You’re thinking, “What the heck?!? She has no idea what she’s talking about.” But I promise I do.
The rapist I know is the neighbour who lived next door for years.
The rapist I know is the step-father who thinks he’s owed something.
The rapist I know is the guy the victim has had a crush on, and he just doesn’t stop when she says no.
Rapists are not just scary people in the dark.
Making excuses for individuals who commit a heinous crime is inexcusable. The fact that the father of the recently sentenced Stanford rapist made reference that “20 minutes of action” wasn’t worth a prison sentence makes me sick. Victims of rape deal with the trauma, shame, & hurt for a LIFETIME. 20 years would’ve been a drop in the bucket.
