Dear Editor,
According to an INews report on November 17, 2014, Commander of ‘A’ Division, Mr Hicken reportedly made a statement to the effect suggesting that women and girls must ensure they do not dress in any manner that “plays into the agenda” of a rapist.
As women associated Citizens against Rape (CAR), we publically call out the Commander and any other leaders who hold this view. The age old argument about women getting raped because of how they look and dress needs to be firmly put to rest, especially by those who are entrusted to protect us women and children (and yes, men do get raped too).
Let us share some startling facts.
Myth 1: Women who were raped, ‘asked for it,’ especially by the way they dressed.
Fact 1: A woman’s body belongs to her and her only; she only can give consent, and deny access! It matters not how she dresses, behaves or looks.
Myth 2: Women are usually raped by someone unknown to them (strangers).
Fact 2: Studies all over the world have shown that victims of rape are most often raped by someone they know and trust, usually a friend or family member. The figure is a staggering – over 80 per cent. We repeat this for clarity. Over 80 per cent of rape victims are abused by someone they know personally. And to clarify as well that in discussions with rape victims the majority are fully clad at the time the rape was attempted/committed.
Myth 3: Women tempt men to rape.
Fact 3: Rape is a horrendous crime; rapists are criminals. Rape happens because rapists choose to rape and violate the rights of another. Anyone who feels it is ok to violate a woman (or child or man) because she may be provocatively dressed, drunk or even naked for that matter, that person has a criminal mind, period.
We encourage our Guyana Police Force (GPF) to do the necessary research before making thoughtless statements regarding the abuse of women and children. It is painful for victims of rape as many do not get the justice they deserve. We have to eliminate immediately the culture we have of victim-blaming and turn our attention to the criminals, the perpetrators of rape and other forms of abuse, and also provide proper justice for rape victims. Currently research by the Guyana Human Rights Association showed that only one per cent (1%) of rape cases that go to court end in convictions. What a paltry, shameful statistic. We need to change how many men view women in this country and change the ‘rape culture’ atmosphere we currently have. We encourage all to go and research the meaning of ‘rape culture.’ We encourage the GPF to reach out to organisations that deal with issues of abuse of women and children, to learn more about how to deal with situations of rape. We also encourage the GPF to also set up Special Victims Units urgently around the country with specially trained officers, preferably female, to deal with issues of rape and domestic violence. We need the implementation of workable solutions urgently. CAR stands ready to assist in this process and will be open to engaging in meaningful discussions with the GPF and other agencies regarding rape issues in efforts to provide justice for victims, justice deserved.
Yours faithfully,
Raquel Thomas-Caesar
Nicole Cole
Nicolette Roach
Jessica Xavier
Colleen McEwan
Citizens Against Rape (CAR)
