A new survey revealing many women believe rape victims should take responsibility for what happened to them has been labelled as "shocking" by a specialist criminal injury lawyer.
Matthew Evans said the online survey, titled Wake Up To Rape, showed that a worrying number of people believed the victims of rape were in some way responsible. "Rape is a violent crime and like any violent crime the victim deserves help and support, not blame and criticism," said Matthew, a partner with Fentons Solicitors LLP.
"The results of this survey show a shocking lack of sympathy for the victim," he said. "Whether someone has been out drinking with their attacker or whether someone has been subjected to a horrific attack by a stranger - rape is always still rape."
The survey polled more than 1,000 people aged 18 to 50, comprising 712 women and 349 men. One-third of women blamed victims who had dressed provocatively or gone back to the attacker's house for a drink. More than half of those of both sexes questioned said there were some circumstances when a rape victim should accept responsibility for an attack.
"Many rape victims often feel guilty after being attacked, believing they could have done something differently to avoid their ordeal," said Matthew. "While the truth is that they are the victims of a horrific crime, the results of this survey show there is a shockingly high number of people who still do not understand what the victims of rape have been through, and the problems they may face In the future."
Source - BBC News
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