Rape is the only crime for which people are proposing doing away with the presumption of innocence. It produces a unique kind of response online because it is unique in that position. I don't see how that proves people concerned about preserving the presumption of innocence are somehow betraying their malevolence. They would have the same reaction and be just as concerned if people were talking about doing away with the presumption of innocence for theft or libel, it's just that no one is proposing that.
Recently here a woman enrolled with Australia Defense Force Academy accused a fellow cadet of raping her. He was
found not guilty. I only found out about it at this point, and I was kind of amazed during the news reports that the accused man was named but the woman was not (although after 5 seconds of thought you can work out why things are done this way, whether or not it's good is up to you)
The accuser was questioned for two days straight - text messages and all social interactions held to the highest degree of scrutiny. Her story held up and examined in front of family, loved ones, the accused, the jury, media, all of these public officials. The story of her.. rape. Recounted in excruciating detail. By her. Over and over.
So, you know.. the court decided she was lying. And that's fine, especially if it's correct. I do not need to be told about how it's unfair for men. Believe me, when these things come up for a public discussion,
that's all you hear because there is this cacophony of men falling over themselves to scream about injustice. I get it, I get that this is a scary thing and it's not fair that he was named and his future is in question forever and there is an assumption of guilt from the start. I.. never said I was cool with that.
What bothers me is that mostly the ones who speak up don't give a hint of a sh**t about women (or men for that matter) who have had the bravery to take the enormous risk of coming forward. There is no thought for having to sit in front of a people recounting everything leading up to, during, and after your rape. An investigation into such a horrifying act that could have lasted years. The stress and agony on
the other side. You never hear anyone on the other side. It's always about you and how it's unfair. It's missing the whole picture in a way that makes my skin crawl. And I don't even necessarily disagree that reforms are needed, but you know.. sorry for being a self-righteous asshole!
