The law discriminates against rape victims in a manner which would not be tolerated by victims of any other crime. In the following example, a holdup victim is asked questions similar in form to those usually asked a victim of rape.
"Mr. Smith, you were held up at gunpoint on the corner
of 16th and Locust?"
"Yes."
"Did you struggle with the robber?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"He was armed."
"Then you made a conscious decision to comply with his
demands rather than to resist?"
"Yes."
"Did you scream? Cry out?"
"No. I was afraid."
"I see. Have you ever been held up before?"
"No."
"Have you ever given money away?"
"Yes, of course--"
"And did you do so willingly?"
"What are you getting at?"
"Well, let's put it like this, Mr. Smith. You've given
away money in the past--in fact, you have quite a reputation for
philanthropy. How can we be sure that you weren't contriving to have your
money taken from you by force?"
"Listen, if I wanted--"
"Never mind. What time did this holdup take place, Mr.
Smith?"
"About 11 p.m."
"You were out on the streets at 11 p.m.? Doing what?"
"Just walking."
"Just walking? You know it's dangerous being out on
the street that late at night. Weren't you aware that you could have been
held up?"
"I hadn't thought about it."
"What were you wearing at the time, Mr. Smith?"
"Let's see. A suit. Yes, a suit."
"An expensive suit?"
"Well--yes."
"In other words, Mr. Smith, you were walking around
the streets late at night in a suit that practically advertised the fact
that you might be a good target for some easy money, isn't that so? I
mean, if we didn't know better, Mr. Smith, we might even think you were
asking for this to happen, mightn't we?"
"Look, can't we talkin about the past history of the
guy who did this to me?"
"I'm afraid not, Mr. Smith. I don't think you would
want to violate his rights, now, would you?"
Author Unknown
Last updated 2nd July 1999