The Republican party counter-bill of the VAWA reauthorization, which removed provisions from the original bill that extended services to immigrant, Native American, and LGBT survivors, has passed in the House of Representatives. This bill is a huge step back in the fight to end sexual violence. By specifically denying services to populations that are already vulnerable or under served, this bill would exacerbate the already disproportionate violence committed against these groups.
This is a great segment from Rachel Maddow, that really sums up how messed up this all is:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#47454638
-Emily, NPA Volunteer
Showing posts with label violence against women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label violence against women. Show all posts
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Friday, October 29, 2010
Man Acquitted of Rape, Despite Massive Evidence Against Him
Timothy West broke into a house through the kitchen window at 1:30 in the morning in March of 2009. He then threatened a woman with a knife and raped her twice. At the end of the 3 hour ordeal, West asked the woman for her number, and she gave it to him (hoping to catch him later). Her brother called 911 right after West left the home, and police became involved.
The next day when West texted the survivor, she asked him why he raped her. He "apologized" and then asked her "You mad at me?... I can't call you no more?" He also admitted that he chose her house at random. This whole conversation was recorded by police. The bravery of the woman in giving her phone number to her rapist in hopes of bringing him to justice resulted in clear evidence against him.
Despite all of that, West was acquitted of all charges.
This exemplifies the struggle survivors face when trying to get justice. This woman's case had clear evidence, and even an admission of guilt from the rapist caught on tape. It also involved a scenario that is traditionally thought of as clearly rape, a break in by a stranger and a weapon being brandished. If the justice system did not manage to get justice for this survivor, it's no wonder that women or men raped by acquaintances or partners, using coercion or threats instead of a weapon or countless other scenarios are not able to get justice. Clearly, something is wrong with the system if such a clear case cannot get a conviction.
Many of the comments on the original NY Times article say something along the lines of "Why was her rapist texting her? She must have known him and just decided to call rape."
To that, I'll relay the words of another commenter:
"hjo4: Rapists get off on power and control. Being able to call his victim, wantonly confess to his crime, and insist that she accept his apology for violating her is right in line with that. Rapists take all sorts of risks such as taking trophies from victims, harassing them, using the same neighborhood as his hunting grounds all in spite of it increasing his chances of getting caught."
Read the article here.
The next day when West texted the survivor, she asked him why he raped her. He "apologized" and then asked her "You mad at me?... I can't call you no more?" He also admitted that he chose her house at random. This whole conversation was recorded by police. The bravery of the woman in giving her phone number to her rapist in hopes of bringing him to justice resulted in clear evidence against him.
Despite all of that, West was acquitted of all charges.
This exemplifies the struggle survivors face when trying to get justice. This woman's case had clear evidence, and even an admission of guilt from the rapist caught on tape. It also involved a scenario that is traditionally thought of as clearly rape, a break in by a stranger and a weapon being brandished. If the justice system did not manage to get justice for this survivor, it's no wonder that women or men raped by acquaintances or partners, using coercion or threats instead of a weapon or countless other scenarios are not able to get justice. Clearly, something is wrong with the system if such a clear case cannot get a conviction.
Many of the comments on the original NY Times article say something along the lines of "Why was her rapist texting her? She must have known him and just decided to call rape."
To that, I'll relay the words of another commenter:
"hjo4: Rapists get off on power and control. Being able to call his victim, wantonly confess to his crime, and insist that she accept his apology for violating her is right in line with that. Rapists take all sorts of risks such as taking trophies from victims, harassing them, using the same neighborhood as his hunting grounds all in spite of it increasing his chances of getting caught."
Read the article here.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Ex-Footballer Blames the Victim
An Australian former athlete has posted comments on Twitter blaming a survivor for her assault.
Via Jezebel:
http://jezebel.com/5655942/ex+footballer-blames-the-victim++via-twitter++in-alleged-assault
Via Jezebel:
http://jezebel.com/5655942/ex+footballer-blames-the-victim++via-twitter++in-alleged-assault
Friday, October 1, 2010
Fears of rape in Kenya's slums 'trap women'
High rates of rape in Kenya has forced many women to avoid public places, including public toilets. This has led to serious sanitation problems, as well as disease. Who says sexual assault is not a community issue?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10540379
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10540379
Monday, October 12, 2009
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
For those who are not aware, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
Wear purple to show support for victims and survivors of domestic violence!
The Networking, Publicity, & Activism (NPA) Program will be holding a DVAM Rally on the University of Michigan Diag on Friday, October 23 from 12-1pm. Come support us and the movement to end domestic violence!
For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, visit http://dvam.vawnet.org.
For more information about SAPAC and other volunteer programs, visit http://www.umich.edu/~sapac.
For more information about the DVAM Rally, email npacoords@umich.edu.
Wear purple to show support for victims and survivors of domestic violence!
The Networking, Publicity, & Activism (NPA) Program will be holding a DVAM Rally on the University of Michigan Diag on Friday, October 23 from 12-1pm. Come support us and the movement to end domestic violence!
For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, visit http://dvam.vawnet.org.
For more information about SAPAC and other volunteer programs, visit http://www.umich.edu/~sapac.
For more information about the DVAM Rally, email npacoords@umich.edu.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
We still have so much work to do. Devastating news out of Guinea, Africa:
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