- June 2nd, 2021, 11:35 am
#626911
As for "victim blaming/shaming" or whatever....I'm not fond of this in any investigation. But in particular to sexual assault, I do find that there are alarming numbers of false allegations compared to other crimes. *Edit* They DO NOT exceed the number of founded allegations, however. Nevertheless, I have seen individuals, served with perjured search warrants because of false sexual assault allegations. Due diligence should be EXTRA profound in these cases. Vetting the victim, like any other investigation, is a necessary element to doing so, and finding/plugging/exposing holes in their story are extremely telling in sexual assault cases....where I have seen more than once, the perpetrator ending up as the victim. Nonetheless, I am not asserting that applies in this case. The reactions the victim had to medical help and being uncooperative are consistent with sexual assault victim responses. Difficulty with recall is likewise, not uncommon. Unfortunately, the nature of the investigation for these types of cases revictimize the victim because of the required processes.....but I don't know how you can escape that if the investigation is thorough. Many victims are hesitant for that very reason.
Additionally, LU not fully "embracing this" does not surprise me. Mainly because, I think their response would be similar at many other institutions. One in particular near me has done so, and even discouraged victims from coming forward, but rather choosing "counseling" and student services as an alternative. I do not agree with this and LU should be better than that IF there was more they could have done. Turning it over the the local officials and State's attorney was the wisest step and probably one they should exercise more often. These are pretty complicated cases, and whether it did or did not happen is not something one can discern from an article(s) or rumor mill....or sometimes even the recall of those involved. However, I personally feel these types of assaults, by their very character, are some of the most vicious and violent forms of dehumanizing, and should be afforded as much attention and as many resources as possible. Especially on a college campus, where predators feel there is a "target rich" environment. Failure to commit public safety to such offenses is completely derelict.
Finally, if all this young lady is looking to do is tell her story, insist on accountability, and improve safety measures....? I think that lends to her credibility. Motive is the first and constant contributor to suspicion. That's where I would start on where the truth lies. Her motive, based on what I've seen, does not raise suspicion of her....to me.
*Full disclosure* I haven't fully researched this case and am interested in looking into it further. I suspect no one will ever have everything associated with it, since much of the information would be protected from FOIA, due to the incident's sensitivity.