Not just blaming the victim, but charging the...

Pictures of Woman Charged with Filing False Rape Report Found on Accused Serial Rapist's Camera

[Trigger warning for sexual violence, rape culture narratives.]

There aren't words to convey the cavernous profundity of my contempt for the people who bullied the victim of a serial rapist into taking a plea deal after charging her with false reporting because they didn't believe her:

The victim in a Washington state sex assault now linked to a 32-year-old Lakewood man was charged with false reporting and paid a $500 fine in 2008 because police didn't believe her story.
Authorities in Lynnwood, Wash., reopened their case and reimbursed the woman after Colorado detectives found pictures of the victim on a camera belonging to Marc O'Leary, an Army veteran charged in two similar cases in Golden and Westminster, Lynnwood police Cmdr. Steve Rider said.Â Â Read more

Comments: 7

Walker Bennett, SF Author Apr 24, 2011, 6:23pm UTC

If she were a relative of mine, I wouldn't accept a "sorry about that" and getting the money back. The police department, the officer(s), and the city would be bankrupt after the lawsuit hit.

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Denise L. Apr 24, 2011, 6:41pm UTC

Whew, that's a tough one. The rapist really covered his tracks by making them shower and taking their clothes. I feel very badly for the woman and what she went through. I think many women have been accused of lying when there is a lack of evidence to prove the truth. I'm not sure what the answer is. It's a terrible situation.

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Janet H. Apr 24, 2011, 6:49pm UTC

Wow, that sure stinks! That poor woman.

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libramoon .. Apr 24, 2011, 9:15pm UTC

Not only do we blame the victim, charge the victim, and generally disrespect the victim, our legal system is all about the perp; the victim gets victimized and the "people" get their entertainment.

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Jean R B. Apr 24, 2011, 11:07pm UTC

Have any of you been in court and seen a rape case? It is horrible what the attorneys do to the victim. Call them names, make them appear that they lured the man on. Then hollered"Rape". It is degrading, mortifying, and I understand that women do not report the rape.

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Rebecca S. Apr 25, 2011, 12:03am UTC

I can't believe that. Oh I would love to sue them through the nose. Teach them to start to believe in the victims. This is our justic system, the people who protect us? Good grief, someone needs to go back to training camp.

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Margaret Garside Apr 25, 2011, 5:12pm UTC

The rising tide of misogyny in this country is scary. What IS wrong with men, anyhow?

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Not just blaming the victim, but charging the victim

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