The Rape of Mr. Smith

The law discriminates against rape victims in a manner which would not be tolerated by victims of any other crime. In the following example, a holdup victim is asked questions similar in form to those usually asked a victim of rape.

Officer: "Mr. Smith, you were held up at gunpoint on the corner of 16th and Locust?"

Mr. Smith: "Yes."

Officer: "Did you struggle with the robber?"

Mr. Smith: "No."

Officer: "Why not?"

Mr. Smith"He was armed."

Officer:"Then you made a conscious decision to comply with his demands rather
than to resist?"

Mr. Smith:"Yes."

Officer: "Did you scream? Cry out?"

Mr. Smith:"No. I was afraid."

Officer:"I see. Have you ever been held up before?"

Mr. Smith:"No."

Officer: "Have you ever given money away?"

Mr. Smith: "Yes, of course--"

Officer: "And did you do so willingly?"

Mr. Smith: "What are you getting at?"

Officer: "Well, let's put it like this, Mr. Smith. You've given away money in the past--in fact, you have quite a reputation for philanthropy. How can we be sure that you weren't contriving to have your money taken from you by force?"

Mr. Smith: "Listen, if I wanted--"

Officer: "Never mind. What time did this holdup take place, Mr. Smith?"

Mr. Smith: "About 11 p.m."

Officer: "You were out on the streets at 11 p.m.? Doing what?"

Mr. Smith: "Just walking."

Officer: "Just walking? You know it's dangerous being out on the street that late at night. Weren't you aware that you could have been held up?"

Mr. Smith: "I hadn't thought about it."

Officer: "What were you wearing at the time, Mr. Smith?"

Mr. Smith: "Let's see. A suit. Yes, a suit."

Officer: "An expensive suit?"

Mr. Smith: "Well--yes."

Officer: "In other words, Mr. Smith, you were walking around the streets late at night in a suit that practically advertised the fact that you might be a good target for some easy money, isn't that so? I mean, if we didn't know better, Mr. Smith, we might even think you were asking for this to happen, mightn't we?"

Mr. Smith: "Look, can't we talk about the past history of the guy who did this to me?"

Officer: "I'm afraid not, Mr. Smith. I don't think you would want to violate his rights, now, would you?"