# To those who say rape is never ignored **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 28, 2003, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180 "2003-02-28T18:01:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ClawsOfCatt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/87869e/32.png) [@ClawsOfCatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ClawsOfCatt)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2003, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/1 "2003-02-28T18:01:06Z")
The Air Force Academy in Colorado is finally investigating complaints of assault made by numerous women who say they were ignored or even punished for coming forward. [Here is a link.](http://endabuse.org/programs/display.php3?DocID=220/) ---
**Author:** ![krisolov](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/krisolov/32/3724_2.png) [@krisolov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/krisolov)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2003, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/2 "2003-02-28T18:14:18Z")
um… who says rape is never ignored? Your (not so) secret agenda is showing… ---
**Author:** ![DreadCthulhu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DreadCthulhu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DreadCthulhu)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2003, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/3 "2003-02-28T18:16:49Z")
While it is sad that the Air Force has taken so long to investigate these claims, the fact that they are being investigated means that they are not being ignored. ---
**Author:** ![tiny\_ham](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a183cd/32.png) [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2003, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/4 "2003-02-28T18:18:21Z")
what’s the debate? Because if it’s “Rape is bad” I’ll go for the pro position… man, I’m gonna win a debate! :: runs off cackling:: ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2003, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/5 "2003-03-01T00:47:19Z")
Who exactly is your thread addressed to? ---
**Author:** ![ClawsOfCatt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/87869e/32.png) [@ClawsOfCatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ClawsOfCatt)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2003, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/6 "2003-03-02T22:06:26Z")
This thread is meant for anyone who denies that rape accusations are ever ignored, and in particular for the men posting on the rape threads currently running here. There are 22 women who say they have reported assaults and nothing was done. several say they were punished for speaking out. > [@](#): > > \*\*(AP) When five female Air Force Academy cadets reported that they had been raped by classmates, they sought some support from the military. > > Instead, they were treated as if they were either crazy or promiscuous, says a former Air Force captain and founder of a group that tracks sexual assaults in the military. [Link.](http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/17/national/main540820.shtml) \*\* Several rape victims went to a civilian crisis center because they feared retribution from the military. [quote] **The women sought outside counseling from TESSA, a civilian crisis center, because they feared retribution from the academy for reporting the crimes, the therapists said.[Link.](http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E27375%257E1210443%257E,00.html)**[/qute] ---
**Author:** ![avalongod](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@avalongod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/avalongod)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2003, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/7 "2003-03-02T22:38:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ClawsOfCatt \* > \*\*This thread is meant for anyone who denies that rape accusations are ever ignored, and in particular for the men posting on the rape threads currently running here. > > \*\* Oh, I gotcha, this is a “men are bad” thread. Because there are no women out there whatsoever who are skepticle of the claims of Mary Koss or Diane Russell.:dubious: ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2003, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/8 "2003-03-02T23:05:04Z")
**avalongod** , I don’t think that’s fair. Although **ClawsofCatt** could have been more effective posting this link in with the other current rape threads instead of starting a new one. I saw this story on 20/20 the other day. I don’t applaud the Academy at all for doing something that should have been done years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Truth\_Seeker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5fc32e/32.png) [@Truth\_Seeker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truth_Seeker)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2003, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/9 "2003-03-03T00:55:08Z")
**Monstro** , it’s perfectly fair. The problem is that the OP is a terrible OP. First, it doesn’t even suggest a question for discussion. It simply offers a piece of evidence. Second, the OP sets up its own strawman. It offers evidence to disprove an assertion that no one ever made. It’s like if I started a thread addressed to “Everyone who says that doctors never make mistakes.” and then linked to the story of the transplant patient who got organs with the wrong blood type. Yeah? And? I suppose, though, that now the OP gets to count this as a major victory. **ClawsOfCatt** sure showed “those who say rape is never ignored!” I mean, they were so thoroughly decimated by the evidence that none of them even dared to post in this thread! ---
**Author:** ![avalongod](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@avalongod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/avalongod)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2003, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/10 "2003-03-03T03:46:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by monstro \* > \*\ ***avalongod** , I don’t think that’s fair. Although **ClawsofCatt** could have been more effective posting this link in with the other current rape threads instead of starting a new one. > > I saw this story on 20/20 the other day. I don’t applaud the Academy at all for doing something that should have been done years ago. \*\* If I have misunderstood the direction of the OP, than I am willing to listen to a clarification. Otherwise I think Truthseeker has nailed it: 1.) Do many women not report rape because they are afraid of being mistreated by the criminal justice system. Absolutely. 2.) Are there some SOBs out there who sweep rape reports under the rug to protect their own interests. Without doubt. 3.) Do some men (and women) engage in minimizing rape, blaming the victim, and rationalizing the behavior of the offenders. I am quite convinced of it. So what, exactly, is the debate? 😕 I am just hoping that the OP does not have the audacity to suggest that men, as a group, could care less about rape. That is simply untrue. ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2003, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/11 "2003-03-03T04:14:27Z")
I can’t help but think that this was aimed at me, since I’ve been rather outspoken in the other threads, AND of all the examples that could have been chosen, it’s the Air Force Academy. So I’ll play along. What happened is wrong, I hope it never happens again, and if I were in charge, I would go to great lengths to make sure that situations like what happened would never happen again. I don’t discount the story, in fact I believe every word of it. I find it to be disgusting, the way some women have been treated while in uniform, and I would hope that the situation has improved. If they can go back and prosecute the perpetrators, I would hope that they would. Now, answer me this: What does that have to do with the other rape threads? At what point did I ever deny that rape is a crime? At what point did I ever say that it is acceptable? I didn’t. What I did say is that the definition submitted by **Gadarene** is far too broad and ambiguous and gave my thoughts supporting my opinion. I don’t care whether you agree with my opinion or not, but starting a thread like this to score points is about the pettiest thing I’ve ever seen. Oh, and even if this wasn’t intended for me, it’s still absurd, as most of the prior respondents have noted. ---
**Author:** ![Enderw24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ba9def/32.png) [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2003, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/12 "2003-03-03T04:23:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jarbabyj \* > \*\*what’s the debate? Because if it’s “Rape is bad” I’ll go for the pro position… > > man, I’m gonna win a debate!\*\* Oh, not so fast there, missy. I happen to be of the firm belief that rape is great. It strengthens the economy, fosters a sense of diplomacy within the UN, and puts hair on your chest. “Whose chest,” you ask. Both chests! Because that’s just how great it is. And while I’ve got the conch, I thought I should mention that I happen to be pro-abortion because killing is fun. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2003, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/13 "2003-03-03T05:05:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Enderw24 \* > \*\*Oh, not so fast there, missy. I happen to be of the firm belief that rape is great. It strengthens the economy, fosters a sense of diplomacy within the UN, and puts hair on your chest. “Whose chest,” you ask. Both chests! Because that’s just how great it is. > > And while I’ve got the conch, I thought I should mention that I happen to be pro-abortion because killing is fun. \*\* Now you’re just having fun at the OP’s expense. Oh well, what can I say? I’m a man. Therefore, I’m responsible for every injustice that every woman who’s ever lived has had to deal with. I don’t really get a say. Is there something you would like to debate **ClawsOfCatt** , or is this really just another “Men Are Evil” thread? I sense this may end up getting thrown into the Pit… ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2003, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/14 "2003-03-03T05:24:55Z")
I think the OP thinks SOME men who have been posting on other rape threads do not think rapes are ignored by the authorities. In fact, that’s what she said in her post. I didn’t get an “All men are brutes” vibe from it. She has certainly proved her point if that is what it was, though I doubt anybody is going to be foolish enough to argue that point. Does the story of the OP give anybody weird vibes from the movie “The General’s Daughter,” which was about a rape that was ignored by a military training institution? Is life following art – wholesale – here? ---
**Author:** ![SPOOFE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@SPOOFE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SPOOFE)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2003, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/15 "2003-03-03T08:42:15Z")
> [@](#): > > what’s the debate? Because if it’s “Rape is bad” I’ll go for the pro position… I’d hate to be in the Con position of that debate… “Uh… rape is… good… because it… uh… rhymes with ‘grape.’” ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2003, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/16 "2003-03-03T13:23:00Z")
And again I ask-Who has ever said that rape has never been ignored? Which people, _by name_, have said this? ---
**Author:** ![Blue\_John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@Blue\_John](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_John)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2003, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/17 "2003-03-04T05:33:55Z")
I suppose this is aimed at me, but even I didn’t say rape is never ignored. Yes, rape is ignored, just not that often. I don’t know why the OP posted that link, it’s only an accusation, nothing has been proven. It could easily be politically motivated, especially considering a rape crisis centre has involved itself. Senators are making themselves know with fascist suggestions at how justice should be run. I doubt we’ll ever know the truth now. From that link: > [@](#): > > An Academy amnesty clause that was established to encourage the reporting of sexual assaults is supposed to allow cadets to report incidents without fear of punishment if they were breaking Academy rules when the assault occurred. Easy way to escape punishment when you’ve broken the rules, cry rape. It’s a possibility these cases are legit are were ignored (not ignored now, though), but it’s no proven and it’s not proof that rape is frequently ignored. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2003, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/18 "2003-03-04T13:39:56Z")
**Easy way to escape punishment when you’ve broken the rules, cry rape.** Your easy assumption that making a rape accusation is readily motivated by desire to escape the consequences of some nebulous rule-breaking is JUST the sort of thing that pisses off a lot of women. In addition to being a feeble argument, it’s inherently insulting to the women who claim to have been raped. I mean, do ya think they cried “rape” because they were afraid they’d have to do push-ups for being out after curfew? ---
**Author:** ![Meatros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2003, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/19 "2003-03-04T14:03:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ClawsOfCatt \* > \*\*The Air Force Academy in Colorado is finally investigating complaints of assault made by numerous women who say they were ignored or even punished for coming forward. > > [Here is a link.](http://endabuse.org/programs/display.php3?DocID=220/) \*\* **Never** ignored? Who would make _that_ assertion? ---
**Author:** ![ClawsOfCatt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/87869e/32.png) [@ClawsOfCatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ClawsOfCatt)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2003, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180/20 "2003-03-05T19:25:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Blue John \* > **I suppose this is aimed at me, but even I didn’t say rape is never ignored. Yes, rape is ignored, just not that often.** So how many times is it acceptable, in your world, to laugh off women being assaulted? > [@](#): > > I don’t know why the OP posted that link, it’s only an accusation, nothing has been proven. It could easily be politically motivated, especially considering a rape crisis centre has involved itself. Politically motivated? You mean some political party hatched a nefarious scheme to smear the academy? Boy, denial runs deep. And what about the rape crisis center getting involved? It’s what rape centers DO. Thank god someone got involved. > [@](#): > > \*\* Senators are making themselves know with fascist suggestions at how justice should be run. I doubt we’ll ever know the truth now. Just great, Blue John. If you don’t support rape, you’re a fascist. > [@](#): > > From that link:Easy way to escape punishment when you’ve broken the rules, cry rape. > > \*\* I feel truly sorry for any women trapped in relations with men who feel this way. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-say-rape-is-never-ignored/158180.md?page=2)