Rape: The reason it's under-reported

A recent report published on thisiscornwall.co.uk highlighted the shocking fact that in 2009 alone over 300 rapes and sexual assaults were reported to Cornwall and Devon police. Even more distressing is the statement by Maggie Parks, director at the women's rape and sexual abuse centre in Bodmin, who claimed 85% of those raped or sexually assaulted never report the crime. A figure I have no trouble believing. This would bring the actual figure to somewhere near a breathtaking 2,000.

A police representative admitted ‘We accept rape and sexual assault are very under-reported crimes’ and went on to say they are setting up two more centres (to add to one existing in Plymouth) where victims ‘can come and be seen by a doctor, deal with police and be put in touch with counselling services’. All very well. But what of those that do get reported, but never conclude in conviction? A proportion, we have to sadly admit, must be false accusation, but many more are due to lack of evidence.

A recent rape case in Bolton highlights the inexplicable way some courts deal with such cases. The case was thrown out because the alleged female victim had disclosed sexual fantasies of group sex during a private msn webchat, which were later produced at court. When she finally agreed to meet the man, admitting they had planned to have sex, she was in fact met by 5 men, some of whom then allegedly raped her, which they denied.

I’m not sure how the courts can defend their decision based on the private fantasies of the woman. A fantasy is just that – fantasy. Adults, men and women are free to have as many weird and wonderful sexual fantasies and desires as they like without it denying them their right to say no at any point during any sexual activity.

This ideal harps back to the archaic opinion that women who dress too provocatively, or ‘lead men on’ should accept consequences as severe as rape, and be made to feel ashamed that they brought it on themselves. If we really want to address the problems surrounding sexual abuse and rape of men, women and children, it is not only the police that need to address themselves and their procedures. If more of that 15% brought to the police’s attention actually resulted in conviction, victims would be far more prepared to come forward.

A feminist Avatar

I bloody loved Avatar, I really did. I mean, I felt like I’d been smacked in the face a few thousand times and just watched an extended adult version of the Moomins, but I lead guy Sam Worthington did a terrific job (did anyone else think his voice was identical to Mel of the Gibson?) and Aliens star Sigourney Weaver was as chain-smokingly gnarly as ever.


Brave and refreshing to have a wheelchair bound vet as its hero, Neytiri did wonders for our image of heroine. If in doubt, spit like a cat. It’s a lesson for all of us. Of course Pandora was essentially still run by a man (we can’t expect Hollywood to address all of it’s Americanisms at once) but the women were feisty, independent and strong. Just what we like to see. Bravo.

I then went home and upholstered a chest and chair for the bedroom. Is this feminism, anti-feminism or just plain getting on with doing up the house? You decide.

Back in the madhouse

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