The Devictimization of Rape

Recently, the charges of rape against the famous magician David Copperfield were dropped by federal prosecutors. The defendant came under investigation of prostitution and issuing a false statement to police officers regarding a seperate rape case against a Bellevue man. Evidence points to this women lying about the other rape charge in order to gain financially. This women's credibilty and integrity have been compromised, David Copperfield's reputation was tarnished, and a Bellevue man's life was at least temporarily thrown into chaos. However the real problem with this women deciding to lie about rape for financial gains is that it helps to undermine the progress that has been made in recognizing and helping legitimate victims of rape by casting a shadow of doubt over all cases.

Rape is a very serious crime. It can destroy the lives of those people that are victims of it and it can tear families apart. It can take years for victims of this especially haneous crime to recover from it, if they ever do. Lots of progress has been made in the battle to open the publics eyes to the seriousness of rape. This progress has also helped those victims of rape speak out against their aggressors. This progress is very important in the fight to end rape.

When people like the Bellevue women, lie about rape they work to undermine all this progess. Those people that currently deny rape or accuse women of being in the wrong are given more fuel to their already ignorant fire. Additionally, the backlash against this Bellevue can turn ugly and hate filled. Witnessing and hearing about this often ugly backlash makes it even harder for really victims to speak up.

It is very important to realize the problems this women created for the men involved by lying about rape. However, it is even more important to realize that she is one bad apple and not let this example detract from the important progress that has been made in the fight against rape. Real rape victims need all the support and help we can offer.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010775607_webcopperfield12m.html