Horrible Disney news.....

[momof2inPA]

I don't think I gave you as much backlash as you feel that I did. But, if the tables were turned and I had asked you how you would feel if your son was involved, how would you have taken it?

I've stated my opinions, as controversial as they may seem. I'm done here since some people can't understand opposing opinions and feel the need to get personal. I enjoy a good debate, but always try to be polite and civil. I feel that I can no longer do that on this thread.

If it makes you feel any better, I kind of agree with you. I don't think that saying, "I don't think I want to do this" at the last minute before consumation and your boyfriend of a year going ahead with the act is the same as being dragged into an alley and brutally raped by some scary stranger. Both are awful acts, but the second would be more traumatic and should be treated more seriously in legal terms, IMO. And I do think the girlfriend from the first scenario would feel some regret that she had put herself in that position (as well at the anger and betrayal she would feel toward her boyfriend).

I don't have any idea what happened in the Disney case, so I'll be with the wait and see people.

 

[L107ANGEL]

Please include a world without people claiming they were raped when they were not. It happens, and that is why the discussion has to go further.

That is why people question why a girl was in boys bedroom in the first place. That is why sexual history comes up. Short of taping every encounter, they are the only things you can do to prove you were falsely accused.

If fact, if I was young and single, I might have to think seriously about doing just that.

With recent developments I have seen the legal system take great measures to ensure the rape did occur before an arrest is made. First they are called to the hospital where DNA samples are taken. Then the victim is carefully examined and photographs are taken as well as her clothing when the attack occured. Next she is questioned repeatedly to make sure there are no inconsistencies with her answers. Next she is put through a series of lie detector tests. It is after all of this that the DA's office is presented the evidence gathered to determine if there is enough to issue a warrant.

 

[jann1033]

That is why sexual history comes up. Short of taping every encounter, they are the only things you can do to prove you were falsely accused.

If fact, if I was young and single, I might have to think seriously about doing just that.

I'm sorry but according to the detectives who spoke to my friend they bring sexual history up to put forth a version of the "she asked for it" claim...( my friend due to our religious beliefs was a virgin at marriage and has never been with anyone but her husband so in her case they would have struck out with that one). it's something how in this day of so called sexual freedom it's really just made things worse in this regard. now it's "assumed" it was consensual and went bad, sad state of affairs.

 

[BelleMcNally]

Please include a world without people claiming they were raped when they were not.

Ohh, you know I'm only allowed a limited number of prayers per day.

 

[BelleMcNally]

I'm really sad that there are so many here on this thread whose lives have been affected by this act of violence.

But I'm happy that we can be here, and accept love and support from each other.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

But I'm happy that we can be here, and accept love and support from each other.

Great point! Very true!

 

[LeesyUD]

see my post on page 5 as to why I edited.

 

[TCPluto]

I suspect that if this had happened somewhere besides on Disney property that there would be less people trying to justify it. I see people here all the time assuming that someone charged with something is guilty but suddenly in this case one should wait and see. Don't get me wrong, I believe strongly in the "wait and see" philosophy, it's just ironic that suddenly it's a good thing to do.

As for someone putting themselves in the position to be raped and therefore being partially responsible, that's nonsense IMO. Should all strippers be raped? Should teens who make out with their boyfriends be raped? I always said that if a model walked down the street stark naked then she still shouldn't be attacked and I stick to that philosophy.

Anyway, date rape doesn't just involve someone being in the act itself and suddenly changing their mind. Even though both parties should be able to. Think of it this way. Assuming that Natalee Holloway was date raped as so many assume, did she ask for it?

Sigh... I also thought that we'd beyond the "she asked for it" beliefs.

The assault did not happen on WDW property at all. It's an apartment complex where many of the CP workers live, but not owned by Disney in any way.

I've not seen any statements from anyone trying to justify the attack, should it be proven to have occurred.

What I have seen is a great deal of sentiment relating to not convicting before trial, and in this case, before charges are even brought.

 

[TCPluto]

Rape is a crime, not a crime of passion but of violence.

I had a professor in college that believed just the opposite. So who's right?

 

[TCPluto]

With recent developments I have seen the legal system take great measures to ensure the rape did occur before an arrest is made. First they are called to the hospital where DNA samples are taken. Then the victim is carefully examined and photographs are taken as well as her clothing when the attack occured. Next she is questioned repeatedly to make sure there are no inconsistencies with her answers. Next she is put through a series of lie detector tests. It is after all of this that the DA's office is presented the evidence gathered to determine if there is enough to issue a warrant.

A positive DNA sample only shows that a sexual encounter occurred.

The physical exam would show trauma, or lack thereof, both generally (arms, wrists, neck, etc) and specifically to the, uh.... area in question. A lack of trauma would not mean that the act wasn't committed absent consent.

Questioning repeatedly does not happen, unless the investigation develops inconsistencies, or other flaws.

In Michigan, and most other states, the victim of a rape cannot be offered a polygraph test, it's against the law.

 

[Kristi1357]

I'm really sad that there are so many here on this thread whose lives have been affected by this act of violence.

I was just thinking the same thing.

OT - I have a friend who was kidnapped and raped by her ex boyfriend. He admitted to the rape, plead guilty, and served a whole 8 months. He repeatedly violated parole once out of jail and nothing was ever done about it. The system stinks. At least in NH & MA it does.

 

[Jennasmomma]

You'd be amazed. I am quite familiar with the 'rape process' and it isn't as easy to make an arrest as you might think. Physical evidence doesn't tell anyone whether or not it was consentual. Even bruises don't count. There can be plenty of 'evidence' without an immediate arrest.

I havent finished reading all the posts yet. I just wanted to say..Im my own personal experience......they arrested the kid that tried to rape me back when we were both juveniles. They arrested him, charged him, convicted him...all on my own testimony, dirty clothes, and a scratch on my wrist. So I think being arrested or not...really all depends on how the case is handled. We may never "REALLY" know what happened to her.

 

[L107ANGEL]

A positive DNA sample only shows that a sexual encounter occurred.

The physical exam would show trauma, or lack thereof, both generally (arms, wrists, neck, etc) and specifically to the, uh.... area in question. A lack of trauma would not mean that the act wasn't committed absent consent.

Questioning repeatedly does not happen, unless the investigation develops inconsistencies, or other flaws.

In Michigan, and most other states, the victim of a rape cannot be offered a polygraph test, it's against the law.

Agreed on the DNA but it also proves something happened as opposed to him saying he never touched her.
I beg to differ on the polygraph. I have a family member that just endured this painfull process. The police cited that they had to cover all basis. I agree with this as yes some women out there will make this horrific false claim. There were many interviews and then the poly. Perhaps PA is different.

 

[TCPluto]

Agreed on the DNA but it also proves something happened as opposed to him saying he never touched her.
I beg to differ on the polygraph. I have a family member that just endured this painfull process. The police cited that they had to cover all basis. I agree with this as yes some women out there will make this horrific false claim. There were many interviews and then the poly. Perhaps PA is different.

I'm unsure of PA law regarding this. In Michigan it is a crime for a police officer to even ask a vicitim of rape to take a polygraph test.

 

[L107ANGEL]

I'm unsure of PA law regarding this. In Michigan it is a crime for a police officer to even ask a vicitim of rape to take a polygraph test.

Learn something new everyday! I had no idea our state's can differ so much.
I am also unsure if our victim was asked or volunteered. She came back with positive results though

 

[MrsKreamer]

The assault did not happen on WDW property at all. It's an apartment complex where many of the CP workers live, but not owned by Disney in any way.

I've not seen any statements from anyone trying to justify the attack, should it be proven to have occurred.

What I have seen is a great deal of sentiment relating to not convicting before trial, and in this case, before charges are even brought.

Actually it is run by Disney. All of Disney rules apply there and you have to live in one of the three complexes if you go on the CP.

As a former CP, I am not surprised this happened. I knew someone who was sexually assaulted while I was there, and it could have very easily have been me...it was a co-worker of ours and had been in my apartment.

Another thing, I don't want this to sound xenophobic, but some of the international guys were very forward, and a lot of the men on the CP in general tried to be very...umm..."active". I knew a lot of nice men too, so it's not everyone.

I really feel for this girl...

 

[frndshpcptn]

Coming from another person on the CP a few years ago - I am not that surprised.

A lot of drinking, different cultures, carefree living...it can add up to some not-so-good situations.

Don't get me wrong- I LOVED living in Vista Way - but it got its "non-Disney friendly" nickname for a very good reason...

 

[Robinrs]

I'd like to add that I have MANY friends who were victims of date rape and I was almost one, thank goodness for a hot iron and my ability to back up down stairs it didn't happen, and ALL of them refused to report the crime because of attitudes like the ones I've seen on this thread.

I remember back in college how some idiot in the lunchroom remarked that a woman DESERVED to be raped if she slept naked in her own bed and someone came thru the window... I don't remember being that mad before or ever again. I remember railing him and leaving traumatized that this is a man's world and no matter what I thought it probably will never change...

That was in 1977.. nearly 30 years ago and the mentality still exists.

Women are blamed for rape, pregnancy, single motherhood, and prostitution. And NONE of them can occur without the "zippity doo dah" who usually walks away with kudos from his pals.

2006. I'm sure it won't change in my son's lifetime, either.

 

[cleo]

Im my own personal experience......they arrested the kid that tried to rape me back when we were both juveniles. They arrested him, charged him, convicted him...all on my own testimony, dirty clothes, and a scratch on my wrist. So I think being arrested or not...really all depends on how the case is handled.

You're a very lucky girl (or he's a very unlucky boy). In my case, there simply could not have been more evidence unless someone had actually been in the room when it happened. There were two people (friends of his) in the next room who heard everything, but suddenly 'went deaf' when questioned. There was physical evidence, including bruises that matched his hand-size, 'other' evidence of various kinds (won't go into detail here) and later, a group of friends who heard him admit it all at a party. I can tell you right now, nobody just 'took my word for it'. It was a hideous process that ultimately lead nowhere.

Would I change it if I could? I'd make it easier for women to be believed, but I think going through every step of the process is essential. I could not bear to think a man (or woman) was convicted simply becuase someone 'said they did it'. I hope justice, what ever it may be, is done in this woman's case or, if it isn't true, in these boys case.

 

[Jennasmomma]

Yes I know in my situation I was lucky..thats why I said at the end it all depends on how the case is handled. I was the good girl and he was the bad boy that all the cops knew by name.

BUT I must say..even though he was arrested, charged, and went to juvenile jail for a very short time...Justice wasnt fully served. The system thought it was a good idea that when he got out...to be able to go back to the school we BOTH went to. Yeah so that happened in like um 9th grade? I got to see him numerous times a day everyday til 12th grade. The only thing was, he was not allowed to say a single word to me or he'd be thrown back in.. of course he had a probation officer and had to go counsling