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This page last updated Oct 30 2006
2006-1022 - The Scotsman (UK) - Rape
statistics viewed through a glass bottom
by Dani Garavelli - The trouble with engaging in a debate on rape
is that it really is the last taboo - just as, until recently, any criticism
of multiculturalism left you open to accusations of racism. So now,
questioning whether or not women should exercise more self-control opens you
up to accusations of misogyny. No-one presumes crime prevention officers who
tell homeowners how to protect their property are condoning burglary. Yet any
suggestion that women should make more effort to protect themselves is seen
as tantamount to claiming that those who do not are asking for it.
Nor
do we advance the cause of women by protecting the identity of those who make
spurious allegations of rape against innocent men. If rape is a crime that
provokes an unparalleled degree of revulsion from the public, then falsely
and maliciously accusing someone of such a crime is a heinous act that should
attract an appropriate punishment
2006-1021 - The Guardian (UK) - 'Rape
victim' rounds on peer who named her as liar
by Diane Taylor - A woman who was named in the House of Lords as
"a serial and repeated liar" after a man found guilty of raping her
had his conviction overturned says being outed in parliament was a setback
for all victims of sexual assault. Lord Campbell-Savours used parliamentary
privilege to name the woman during a debate on rape legislation. He suggested
that women who make false allegations of rape should be named and prosecuted
for perjury. …… The court ruled that Mr Blackwell's conviction was unsafe in
the light of new evidence that the complainant had made "strikingly
similar allegations" of other sex attacks and had the ability to lie
2006-1020 - The Times (UK) - Anonymous
accusers who ruin lives
by David Brown - WITH just one in twenty cases of rape leading
to a conviction there have been growing demands for changes to the law to
make it easier bring prosecutions. However, there have also been growing
numbers of cases where men have had their rape convictions overturned and
prosecutions of women who have made up allegations ............There have been
growing calls for men accused of rape to be granted anonymity until they are
convicted. The Liberal Democrats voted last month to grant anonymity to
anyone accused of rape until conviction
2006-1020 - The Telegraph (UK) - If two
people accuse you
"If two people accuse you, then you are guilty. They get
compensation, you get jail" by Alasdair Palmer - Thanks to the steady
erosion of the rules of evidence governing sexual offences, culminating in
decisions by the Law Lords in 1991 and 1995, a defendant can face multiple
allegations at the same trial. None of those allegations need have any
corroboration; each, considered on its own merits, may be insufficient to
suggest sexual abuse took place, but the effect of the Law Lords' rulings has
been that together, multiple allegations are, in law, enough to prove not
just that the abuse happened, but that the defendant was the perpetrator. How
could England's most senior judges come to insist on a rule of evidence so transparently
unreliable as that? It is a question to which only they know the answer.
Their underlying assumption had to be that allegations of sexual abuse should
be accepted as true, even if there is no evidence to support them. The result
is that the burden of proof is on the accused to prove he is innocent, not on
his accusers to prove his guilt
2006-1020 - The Times (UK) -
Peer names 'serial liar' whose rape claims sent an innocent man to jail
by David Brown - Lord Campbell-Savours used parliamentary privilege to name the woman
during a debate in the House of Lords on rape legislation. He suggested that
women who make false allegations of rape should be named and prosecuted for
perjury
2006-1019 - Evening
Standard (UK) - Sex attack liar named by peer
 A woman with a
long history of crying rape who sent an innocent man to jail was named in
Parliament amid calls for a change in the law. Shannon Taylor was unmasked by
a peer who told the House of Lords her lies had put father-of-two Warren
Blackwell behind bars for more than three years. Lord Campbell-Savours used
Parliamentary privilege to expose her identity and lambast the 'shabby'
police investigation that saw Mr Blackwell imprisoned. Legal experts praised
his decision to speak out to prevent other men falling victim to fake sex
attack allegations.
Lord Campbell-Savours is
calling for changes to the
law after exposing a 'serial liar' who alleged rape
2006-1019 - The Evening
Standard (UK) - Four out of five rape victims 'have been drinking'
Baroness
Scotland
by Joanne Waterman - Four out
of five women who claim to have been rape victims had been drinking before
they were attacked, a Home Office minister said. But Baroness Scotland said
that, despite of this fact, rape is "never the fault" of the woman
who suffers it. ……Earlier this year, a judge threw out a case in which the alleged
victim was too drunk to remember what happened. Another trial collapsed when
a student from Aberystwyth University admitted she had been so drunk she
could not remember if she had refused or given consent for sex
2006-0724 - Radio NZ - Womens
Centre says unreported sex attacks outnumber false
A women's centre in New Plymouth says false complaints of sex attacks
are far outnumbered by women who are raped and abused but don't report it. A
woman has been charged with making a false complaint of sexual assault, a
girl's been referred to youth aid and the police say three similar
allegations in New Plymouth over the last fortnight lack credibility. They've
warned that false complainants can be jailed for three months
2006-0724 - Radio NZ - New
Plymouth police concerned at false sex complaints
The police are hoping publicity over some apparent false sex-attack
claims in New Plymouth will not discourage women coming forward with genuine
complaints. Mr Coward says women must understand that police have to test the
truth of their accusations. The police have warned that women reporting
ficticious sex attacks could face jail
2006-0724 - Radio NZ - Rape help
agencies worried by by police warning on false complaints
Agencies
dealing with rape and sexual abuse in New Plymouth are worried a police
warning about false complaints may discourage real victims from coming
forward……But the police say complainants need to know their
claims will be tested. They've warned that false complainants can be jailed
for three months. A counsellor and former manager of the Taranaki Safer
Centre, Lorraine Jans, says that may increase the distrust of police felt by
many genuine victims
2006-0724 - Daily News - NP police
bogged down by number of fake rape complaints
A spate of false rape complaints over the last two weeks is worrying New
Plymouth police. But women who have genuine complaints of sexual assault are
urged to come forward, says CIB chief Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward.
..... "We
do not want to stop victims making legitimate complaints, but they have to
realise their account will be thoroughly investigated," he said. Mr
Coward says New Plymouth police have a highly experienced sexual abuse
investigation team, which is always prepared to investigate a complaint.
2006-0609 - The Press - Rape
figures realistic
by Chris Hooker - Darryl Ward (June 3) takes issue with the claim in The Press that
"support groups estimate that only one in 10 rapes is notified, and only
a fraction go to court" (May 27). I am a school counsellor and my
experience with many young women over many years suggests that these figures
are pretty realistic.
2006-0603 - The Press - Rape complaints
by Yvonne Martin - Our
reporting has found that female rape victims are avoiding or dropping out of
the criminal-justice system at phenomenally high rates. We received dozens of
emails and phone calls, particularly from people concerned about injustices
within the court process.
2006-0603 - The Press - Her
word against his
by Yvonne Martin - When a woman reports a rape, it is only the start
of a gruelling process. In the second of a two-part series, Yvonne Martin
looks at what it is like for women whose cases make it to court……… With DNA
advances making it harder for men accused of rape to argue "not
me", many are turning to the defence of having reasonable belief in
consent. In the absence of witnesses and physical evidence, a trial run on
such grounds can become a contest of credibility: her word against his.
2006-0602 - The Press -
Falsely Accused
by Paula Weir - An interesting article on rape on the front page of
the Weekend Press last Saturday. However, given the fact that once again the
crime of false allegations was not given space to counter what seemed like
more hysteria the objective of the articles may not be achieved……..Sympathy
for rape victims has not been helped by the failure of people like Jan Jordan
and Dr Kim McGregor to acknowledge the equally serious crime of false
allegations and the destruction they can cause to peoples lives
2006-0602 - The Press -
Suffering in silence
by Kim McGregor - Wide-ranging changes are needed to public and
professional attitudes to rape if the problems confronted by sexual abuse
victims are to be countered. Unless we all understand some of the
complexities and dynamics of sexual abuse and some of the reasons survivors
do not report sexual assault, we are unlikely to have much of a chance of
changing this situation.
2006-0527 - The Press - The
rape crisis
by Yvonne Martin - The Louise Nicholas case showed us the anguish that
rape complainants go through on the tortuous path through court…… Some
positive changes have been made to rape laws since the Christchurch woman's
case was tried in 1976, and police are trying to improve their handling of sexual-assault
complaints. But is the current law working for everyone or just for some?
Have the scales of justice tipped too far towards protecting the rights of
the accused? Is it time for a fresh
look at how complaints are dealt with, from the initial reporting to
sentencing options for perpetrators? Judging by the issues and discontent our
reporting has found with the system, a review is long overdue
2006-0527 - The Press -
Possible solutions to how rape cases are tried
Victim-support
workers and lawyers are calling for a taskforce to look at alternatives for
how sexual assaults are tried. Options include: an inquisitorial system;
Specialist courts; A restorative-justice system; Introducing a positive
standard for sexual consent;
2006-0527 - The Press - Court
journey full of trauma for rape victim
Even with the extra protections for complainants now enshrined in law,
the woman [rape victim] still feels the scales of justice tilt towards the
defendant. "There needs to be more sensitivity towards the complainant's
needs. She has to survive this."
2006-0502 -
peterellis.org.nz - Rape Crisis needs to acknowledge serious problem of false
allegations
Stopping rape is a commendable and worthy aim. Rape Crisis; however,
need to urgently acknowledge the serious epidemic of false allegations of
sexual crimes if they wish to maintain credibility……Rape Crisis' one-eyed
view on justice has been exposed by their participation in the recent
"We Support Louise Nicholas" march. Nicholas has previously
admitted making a false rape claim. A recent trial involving Nicholas
properly came to a "Not Guilty" verdict based on the clear evidence
that what she claimed was "rape" was in reality consensual sex
2006-0501 -
peterellis.org.nz - Appalled by attitude of Kim McGregor
by Paula Weir - 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
2006-0501 - One News - Calls
to improve rape trial system
Advocates for victims of sexual crime want the government to set up a taskforce
to review how the legal system treats victims. The call follows a march on
Sunday through central Auckland to mark Rape Awareness Week. Auckland Rape
Crisis director Dr Kim McGregor says a proposal is being drawn up on
improving the legal system in relation to sex crimes
2006-0501 - NZ Herald -
Marchers demand rape trial changes
Hundreds of Louise Nicholas supporters marched down Queen St yesterday
demanding justice for victims of rape. Dr McGregor said a specialised task
force had been set up involving Rape Crisis, Auckland Sexual Abuse Help
Foundation and lawyers to prepare a proposal for Government on how sexual
crimes are tried in New Zealand courts
2006-0501 - Newstalk ZB -
Changes to rape trial laws wanted
Changing the laws surrounding rape trials will be the focus of this
year's Rape Awareness week. In launching its campaign today, Rape Crisis and
Auckland Sexual Abuse Help want to make the judicial system more tolerable
for victims of rape. Rape Crisis spokeswoman Kim McGregor says the whole
system needs an overhaul
2006-0322 - NZ Doctor -
Boundary lessons for the learning
by Ron Paterson - False accusations? Some doctors, particularly male
doctors, worry about being the subject of spurious claims of a sexual nature.
Once again, practical steps, such as the presence of a "chaperone"
(eg, a practice nurse), ensuring appropriate disrobing facilities and clear
communication are all useful ways for maintaining safety for patients and
doctors. Doctors who act professionally have little to fear from false
complaints. Vexatious complaints are very rare
2006-0225 - NZ Herald -
Perjury penalties 'too soft'
More prosecutions and tougher penalties for perjury
would help reduce the incidence of miscarriages of justice, a seminar at
Auckland University was told yesterday. On many occasions the judiciary did
not take perjury, or evidence tampering seriously enough, associate sociology
professor Greg Newbold told a seminar organised by the Legal Research
Foundation to discuss a report by retired High Court judge Sir Thomas Thorp.
2006-0222 - The Press - False rape
common
by Brian Robinson - First, false rape complaints are common.
Recent 2005 news reports state that "last year 290 people nationwide
were charged with making a false complaint" and that "senior
(police) investigators estimate that between 60% and 80% of rape complaints
made by women are false". Second, there is no media barrage about these
cases. In 2005, only 10% of the 290 cases were reported in the media, and few
of these were reported nationwide
2006-0218 - The Press -
Wrong impression
by Ricky Prebble - Rape and sexual abuse is a crime overwhelmingly
perpetrated by men against women. I would be interested in reading an article
about the effects of rape and sexual abuse on women's lives, and the
prevalence of sexual violence in our community. This would be refreshing
after the constant media barrage about the uncommon occurrence of false rape
complaints
2006-0204 - The Press - Impact
of false rape complaints
by Jonathon Harper - The phenomenon of false rape complaints is
proving a fraught one….. Yet what happens if the allegation is false?
There are many cases on record where women have made false rape allegations.
It is a minefield, for police, complainants, the accused and the various
support agencies working with rape victims. Tony Greig is a Christchurch
barrister and was a police officer for 17 years. He recalls, "It was not
unusual for the CIB squad that took over on a Monday morning to be met with
three rape allegations from the weekend. It was not unusual to have one or
two of them withdrawn within days, after being shown to be demonstrably false."
University of Canterbury criminologist Greg Newbold refers to the Ministerial
Rape Report of 1983 (used as a basis for later legislative changes) which
suggests about 30 per cent of rape allegations prove to be false. But Jan
Jordan, a senior lecturer in criminology at Victoria University, points to
several overseas research studies that indicate a false complaint rate of
about 5%.
2006-0130 - Newstalk ZB - Mark
wants tougher penalties for false complaints
New
Zealand First hopes a review of the police complaints system will result in a
crack down on people who make false complaints. Police have confirmed they
are carrying out a project aimed at enhancing professionalism. The party's
police spokesman Ron Mark says the review must meet the needs of people who
fell they have been wronged, but he says it must also protect innocent police
officers. He says it is unacceptable when complaints are found to be false
after some officers' lives are put on hold for nearly two years while a
complaint is investigated.
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