I recently had a conversation with a friend, regarding this topic. She says that a victim should EXPLOIT the INJUSTICE to the Media, rather than accept only a Restraining Order against the so called, "Rapist." Unfortunately, the details that was given by the individual who stated that her friend was raped and that she lived in the same apartment complex as the Rapist only received a Restraining Order. Not to mention the so called, "rapist" is video taping her in their apartment complex. I find it hard to believe that a victim of rape would only receive justice by being granted a Restraining Order.
Anyway, how many of you would believe the story to be true or false. And if exploiting the injustice to the Media would be benefecial for the victim, and those who may feel that the victim has been raped by the system in giving her a Restraining Order against the so called "rapist.?"
Yes, there are agencies, but what more can they do, besides psychologically helping the victim?
2007-11-21 12:42:47 · 7 answers · asked by saberchick 2 in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
Restraining orders are a joke. Do you realize how many women with restraining orders became murder statistics. A restraining order only works with a law abiding person.
There are victims advocacy groups and victims services. I am not sure what country you are in but Lee Lakeman has been an advocate of the injustice against women in Canada for years.
http://www.rapereliefshelter.bc.ca/issues/law_order.html
2007-11-21 12:57:22 · answer #1 · answered by Deirdre O 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How precisely does one 'exploit' injustice? You refer to a "so-called rapist' and so I must ask:
1. Has this person been formally charged and is currently awaiting trial?
2. Has this person been found guilty in a court of law?
"So-called" tells me nothing at all, so I can't even take a guess as to the credibility of the claims made.
In any event, in the USA it's really easy to get a restraining order against someone. It's a do-it-yourself process - I know a convicted felon who has restraining orders out on her victims, lol!
In Canada you need to get a lawyer to facilitate a restraining order, so I think it would be safe to assume they are more likely to be taken more seriously in this country.
2007-11-21 21:44:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Be careful when involving the media. If the "rapist" has not been convicted (found guilty in a court of law) then it is possible that media coverage that implies he is a rapist could be the grounds for a lawsuit against your friend for slander or libel. I would advise your friend to move away from this person if she can. Perhaps she could file her own lawsuit against him in civil court under tort law. She needs to gather together every piece of credible evidence she can to support her accusations. Document everything. Get witness statements in writing. Every single thing he does to harass her should be documented and reported to the police. Also, there is safety in numbers. The fact that she has neighbors in close proximity is a good thing. She should consider also getting extra support from a professional...a therapist who specializes in these types of situations. And under every circumstance that this person breaks the restraining order report it immediately to the police. I can tell you from personal experience that it may take several of these reports in order for the police to take it seriously enough to arrest him for the violations, but every time you make a report adds pressure for them to take it seriously. Also, I would advise her not to rely on the restraining order to protect her. As one poster already mentioned, the order only works with law-abiding citizens. I would suggest that she set up a network of people (ideally who live near and around her) to help keep an eye on this situation...a look-out, so to speak, and advise them to report any suspicious activity or violations of this restraining order to the police. As hard as it is to involve outsiders (especially neighbors) in your personal, private business, it can be beneficial for protection in the long run. The more the "spotlight" is on the offender, the less opportunity he has (and the less he'll want to take the chance of getting caught) to perpetrate further harm.
2007-11-21 21:01:10 · answer #3 · answered by It's Ms. Fusion if you're Nasty! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone can prove they are in danger and they get a judge to grant a Restraining Order, the only good it really does is to give the police the right to get involved, should the person named in the RO violate it. It's not meant to be a form of justice but rather a form of protection....however hollow that protection is. I agree with the above poster who said to be careful about getting the media involved. Is there a trial coming up?
2007-11-21 21:34:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The woman needs to contact an advocacy group. They can assist her with breaking a lease and finding housing in another place.
The media is not going to report the name of the rapist. Before a trial, and conviction, he is only an alleged rapist. Even then, he'd likely be under no obligation to move after serving jail time.
The woman needs to move to feel safe. Is it fair for her to have to do that? NO. He should have to move, but it's her safety and well being we are talking about, not his.
2007-11-21 21:18:48 · answer #5 · answered by amazingly intelligent 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I find it hard to believe that someone convicted of rape was only given a restraining order. *IF* this was true I would most defiantly contact the media...but I doubt it is.
2007-11-21 21:31:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i say shoot the rapist.
2007-11-22 04:31:54 · answer #7 · answered by shadow m 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋