This is a terrible story of the rape of two inmates on work detail at the Oklahoma governor’s mansion. What makes it awful is that the suspects were merely fired and no charges are being brought against them, although it is clear the women were raped.
Are incarcerated people just not considered part of of society? What do you think?
I am thoroughly disgusted with the outcome of this story. I had blogged about it a while back and the outcome is tragic. Twelve-year-old Nujood, raped by her husband, was impregnated and died in childbirth. Her child also died.
I call upon any human rights group to fix this. Amnesty International? Save the Children? Someone?
Rest in peace, baby girl.
This is one of the most egregious stories I’ve read in a while. A little girl (a refugee from Liberia, living in Phoenix) was gang-raped by a group of boys, aged 9-14 (the 14 year old will be charged as an adult) and get this: her family feels she “has brought shame” on herself and their good name. Both the victim and the perps hail from the African nation of Liberia where rape was only considered to be a crime in 2006.
I’ve got news for these savage folks; you now live in America, where rape is a crime. To criticize this poor child, who will be physically and emotionally scarred forever, is almost a bigger crime than the rape itself. Thankfully, when she is released from the hospital, she will NOT be going back to the home, but placed somewhere else by CPS. Liberian officials, including President Ellen Sirleaf (yeah, a woman) are trying to spin it as if they have no clue why the family’s attitude is such, but I am a bit skeptical. Animals.
Read carefully the older sister’s comments and tell me that the world hasn’t gone to Hell in a handbasket. She advocates that the suspects be released because “we are the same people”. Huh? There are days when I think that the United Nations, Angelina Jolie and Superman himself cannot change attitudes. It reminds me of Islamic honor killings and the like. Whatever dark age these people live in, it ain’t right.
Say a prayer for this little girl.
Today, a friend sent me an article about a cold case in Colorado in which the victim is pressing on, nine years later. Bravo to her. Read the article and decide for yourself. The most troubling part of the article, though, is the comments section. It’s amazing that people blame her for her own rape because she was intoxicated.
Because, naturally, she wanted to end up covered in blood and mud having “had sex” with two men. That’s normal, right? I love her for her courage in coming forward. It is really hard to be public about this because a) you are then known primarily for the fact that you are a rape victim and not a daughter, wife, mom, hard worker, etc. and b) you need to endure the crazies on blog boards.
I honestly believe that one should have to register a credit card with their real name in order to comment on a blog. So many anonymous cowards, holding forth about something they have no experience with. Bravo, Julie Stene! Bravo!
A few years ago, we heard a lot of activity around accused and acquitted serial rapist (I’m trying to say he was acquitted here – alleged, accused, acquitted, so don’t parse my words!), Gary Zerola.
Many people weigh in on the status of Zerola, the fundraiser, charmer, survivor of a sad childhood. They also weigh in on his dark side. It’s a well-written article by David Copeland and since I’ve received quite a few emails from some of his alleged victims, I thought we’d revisit it via this article, courtesy of Boston Magazine.
Enjoy and comment. As you know, you can always post here anonymously without fear of retribution as long as you keep it without racial slurs or personal attacks of a false nature. I want this to be a safe haven.
I have long ranted about Craigslist being a haven for criminals (and furniture and babysitters), but it’s time for the government to step in.
This man arranged for the rape of his own wife on Craigslist WHILE HE WATCHED AND HIS CHILDREN WERE IN THE HOUSE. I never use the “f” word on my blog, but what the fuck is wrong with humanity today?
Read and comment please. My heart is broken. I would also like to appeal to the media to use responsible wording in their reports on rape. She will suffer lifelong injuries of the soul and psyche due to this crime. By minimizing the language because she didn’t have, say, obvious lacerations and bruises, you perpetuate the stereotype that rape is not deadly or injurious to victims. You only want to report it properly when the victim is a bloody pulp. Come on, now.
UPDATE: The husband says the wife approved of it and wanted it. Yeah, right. Have we learned nothing about Craigslist?
With the release of Chris Brown’s “I’m Not A Monster” YouTube piece – I won’t even post it here – I want you all to read my official position on domestic violence and that case in particular.
I don’t care if you are a prostitute…you don’t deserve rape. This gem of a guy, David Gage, a former law enforcement officer (does that mean cop?), was sentenced to 29 years in the clink for raping women he met on Craigslist.
At his allocution, he slams the victims in his apology by saying they “got themselves into the situation”. I would have lit my own hair on fire at that point. If you are sitting there at sentencing, you should just say “I’m really sorry. Let’s go to jail now”, thereby sparing the victims any further pain by laying blame on them.
He also claims that he was a victim. Rape is the only crime that I know of when the victim is positioned in a place of responsibility. When will that end?
UPDATE: Gage was found dead in his cell yesterday of an apparent suicide.
This is one of the sicker cases I’ve seen and I hope they get the book thrown at them. I must say, a civilian would NEVER be out on bail. Oh, wait. Never mind. I also want to say that I’ve not seen too many “blame the victim” comments, thank goodness. It’s so easy for some trolls to say “oh, she was loaded”. Yes, readers, she was drunk. Have you ever been? I thought so. Did that mean you deserved rape? Okay then.
I have some questions about Moreno:
1) If you are married w/ 2 children, why are you carrying around condoms? Is this a normal activity for you?
2) Why does the press use the words “have sex with” in a clear rape case?
3) What charges does the onlooker, Mata, face?
4) How much do you want to bet that the heroin found in Moreno’s locker is not for his own use, but for him to plant on someone and frame? Someone likely innocent, going about their business until he confronts them with some imagined infraction.
I know the profilers are scratching their heads over this case (Sandra Cantu), but I am not. There are female predators. Melissa Huckaby is now under arrest for allegedly raping and murdering Sandra Cantu. Now, another mom has come forward, saying a woman (allegedly Huckaby) in a purple Kia Sportage took HER daughter to a Wendy’s, drugged her (there’s a hospital report where benzos were found in the child’s system)and did God only knows what. She was returned home, but she was ill, ergo, prompting the mother to take the child to the hospital. NO CHARGES were filed, although a report was made. There is a paper trail.
From what I understand, the mother went to Police and Tracy Police did no follow up. If all of this is true, COULD the Cantu murder have been prevented? What is going on here?
Thoughts?
Crash Into Me is Liz Seccuro’s first book. Liz is a victim’s rights advocate and spends time lobbying for important legislature to help support sexual assault victims in the United States. Read More...
