|
|
Allegations
of Sexual Abuse |
|
|
|
|
This week is rape
awareness week and the abhorrent crime of rape is once again under the media
spotlight. While I understand Rape
crisis and associated organisations offer good support and help for genuine
victims, I am appalled by the attitude of director of Rape Crisis Kim
McGregor. False accusations of
rape do occur and more prevalently than we are led to believe. Men facing
such allegations often lose their homes, reputations and careers, and their
families are subjected to harsh and prejudicial treatment. Alibis in such cases
are not being adequately investigated by police who are choosing to prosecute
regardless of any factual evidence in the interests of keeping themselves in
favour with organisations like Rape Crisis. Historical charges
which are becoming frequent are tried on a he said she said basis and men
accused are assumed guilty until proven otherwise. Rape cases take months
to try, and falsely accused will never be compensated for what they have been
through. Kim McGregor seems
decidedly ignorant on the damage caused by false allegations as the profound
effects of the complainants statements on men and their partners cause
numerous conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. With the increase of
false accusations comes the difficulty for the public to believe in the
veracity of rape claims. Perhaps rape awareness
week would be better received if equal focus was awarded the evil crime of
lying about rape and sexual abuse.
|
