Rape myths and false accusations

Let me begin by saying, false rape accusations are a crime as they should be. That said, conservative estimates say between 2 and 8 percent of rape accusations are false. Only 3 percent of convicted rapists serve a day in jail. Take a minute and think about that. However, one of the things to remember about all this is a rape accusation that doesn’t result in a conviction doesn’t mean the accused didn’t commit the rape, just that ze wasn’t found guilty.

So what brings me back to this topic yet again? Roxanne Jones, she’s the same woman who wrote about warning her son that women lie about rape, yep, so you know this piece totally doesn’t have an agenda. Jones begins her piece by invoking civil rights and racist false rape accusations. These are completely founded. That said, that reasoning isn’t applicable today. Women aren’t crying rape because it is socially unacceptable to be seen with black men or out with a man who isn’t your relative (stateside).

Jones notes that few rapes have been reported in 2012 than in2008 of course she is using the dated definition from the FBI that includes the phrase “forcible rape.” Fun fact they changed their definition. But clutch some pearls:

“Exact numbers [of false rapes] are difficult to track because of the lack of in-depth research on false rape cases and because of the varying definitions of what constitutes an ‘unfounded’ rape claim. It can mean the alleged victim did not try to fight off the suspect or suffer injuries, was not threatened with a weapon or the victim and perpetrator had a previous relationship.”

WTF! For real, this woman doesn’t believe marital rape exists; guess once you consent once your partner has rights to your body. Fuck her. Just because the number of rapes goes down doesn’t mean that more women are false reporting, in fact I can’t even follow that asinine logic. Of course Ms. Jones is a sports writer so maybe she should stick to glorifying rapists getting the Heisman this year. Don’t worry though, Jones defends Winston after all his accuser is a lying slut:

“Throughout the investigation, Winston insisted that the sex was consensual. And his unidentified accuser equally insisted she was raped but was heavily intoxicated and had a ‘broken memory’ of events. However, toxicology reports found no drugs in her system and very low alcohol levers. Complicating the case further, Winston’s DNA was found on the women’s underwear and a second DNA sample, reportedly from her boyfriend, was found on her shorts.”

And the case isn’t even closed…I wonder how we know for sure that he is innocent? Is it because all women are liars? Glad Jones is on it though, sounds like an unbiased take.Glad she didn't mention the bruising on the alleged victim or should we just call her a liar, because that might make people thing an impressive football player can commit rape, and we know that isn't true because women just thrown themselves at these guys *sarcasm and loathing*. [That should be the title of my memoir, that or the art of the slow clap.]

Jones continues in her article to discuss examples of false rape accusations, but in this example, as in her first the alleged victim recanted. Recanting false accusations isn’t the only thing she considers a false allegation. She notes the accuser in her second example had to pay a fine of $750,000, which I think many a sexual assault survivor would love…after all medical and therapy bills.

Jones continues her piece by talking about how the accused are suing their accusers over the “fake allegations” (which as mentioned are subjective at best). Because as you know it is the accused rapist whose life is ruined. Now don’t get me wrong, that is an allegation that will follow you everywhere, which is why we should promote clear communication around sex, sexual assault, and everything else. But Jones says, “Make no mistake, I could never defend men who rape and believe even harsher penalties are needed for rapists. But I can understand why some men are opting to fight back. And I even agree with this strategy in some cases.”

Um, shenanigans. Some of these guys are innocent sure, but not being convicted doesn’t mean the dude didn’t commit rape. Suing accusers is one more way of silencing women, particularly women of color with limited economic means. After all we know who are more likely to be victims of sexual violence: women of color and poor women. Gee, think there is a reason for that? Did no one read the R. Kelly piece the other day? No one matters less to our society than those already readily and easily exploited. So fuck you, lady.

I love that Jones associates a lawsuit as indication of innocence. It is like she doesn’t understand the judicial system. Jones concludes her piece by noting there might be a backlash to suing people who accuse you of rape, after all what would stop all rapists from suing their accusers, some already sue for paternity rights. My anger knows no bounds. Jones needs to stop writing about rape, it shows everyone her limited understanding of sexual assault, her complete lack of empathy, and just an all-around misunderstanding of the legal system.