Great discussion to have independently. Legally I have what feels like conflicting thoughts on rape accusations. In many cases it is the ultimate “he said-she said”, “he said-he said”, or “she said-she said”. I believe in not-guilty until proven innocent and conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.

On the other hand, I really cannot stand that in any high profile (or low profile, although within a smaller audience), there is always a significant backlash of victim blaming and slut shaming. Especially if the accusation is of one of their own, whether a celebrity or politician or “hero”. Always there are assumptions, and not a tiny minority, that the bitch must be lying. Because thats what they do. Or that she was asking for it. Who goes home with a guy drunk anyway? Did you see what she was wearing? She’s already fucked tons of people, what is one more?

And then there is the other side again. Accusations of sexual assault, even if dropped or acquitted, they stay forever. Our repulsion at the crime makes it one of the worst to be accused of. If the accused is of a different race or socioeconomic level than all the attending societal prejudices accompany the accusation. and vice-versa if the victim is of an underprivileged group.

Ultimately it is society that needs to change. At this point I would feel better if not every single time a woman alleges sexual assault she is immediately suspected, essentially re victimized. This is why so many women never report rape. Who wants to go through it?