Thought for today:
"A recent review showed that one in five women has been a victim of a sexual offence, which includes the most serious crimes such as rape and other offences like indecent assault and flashing. Around 69,000 women are estimated to have been raped in the last year, while 90% of victims knew the perpetrator.
The study showed that just 15% of women reported the offence to the police, with the most common reasons for not coming forward being 'embarrassing', 'didn't think the police could do much to help' and 'didn't think I'd be believed' etc. While some progress is obviously being made in the conviction rates, the number of offences against women continue their upward climb.
Having worked with a number of rapists and sexual offenders in the past as a Probation Officer, I have always seen 'power and the exertion of fear over the victim' as representing their most common motive for the commission of this heinous deed. I have never been able to form the view whether fighting back and vigorous resistance helps or hinders in all situations however natural a response it may appear to some, but of one thing I am certain. If the woman comes across as being fearless from the outset, the rapist rarely pursues the commission of their offence as it denies them of their primary element of satisfaction; the exertion of fear over their victim.
All that being the case ladies, onwards and upwards is what I advocate. Put down those gin and tonics along with the munching of crisps and the devouring of your favourite chocolate box; take off your little black dress and don some more suitable attire and book yourself on the next Everest expedition. Do this and you can bet your sweet life that the next time your clothes goes on and comes off, it will be by your choice and nobody else's design." William Forde: August 22nd, 2014.
"A recent review showed that one in five women has been a victim of a sexual offence, which includes the most serious crimes such as rape and other offences like indecent assault and flashing. Around 69,000 women are estimated to have been raped in the last year, while 90% of victims knew the perpetrator.
The study showed that just 15% of women reported the offence to the police, with the most common reasons for not coming forward being 'embarrassing', 'didn't think the police could do much to help' and 'didn't think I'd be believed' etc. While some progress is obviously being made in the conviction rates, the number of offences against women continue their upward climb.
Having worked with a number of rapists and sexual offenders in the past as a Probation Officer, I have always seen 'power and the exertion of fear over the victim' as representing their most common motive for the commission of this heinous deed. I have never been able to form the view whether fighting back and vigorous resistance helps or hinders in all situations however natural a response it may appear to some, but of one thing I am certain. If the woman comes across as being fearless from the outset, the rapist rarely pursues the commission of their offence as it denies them of their primary element of satisfaction; the exertion of fear over their victim.
All that being the case ladies, onwards and upwards is what I advocate. Put down those gin and tonics along with the munching of crisps and the devouring of your favourite chocolate box; take off your little black dress and don some more suitable attire and book yourself on the next Everest expedition. Do this and you can bet your sweet life that the next time your clothes goes on and comes off, it will be by your choice and nobody else's design." William Forde: August 22nd, 2014.
