Duke University Lacrosse Scandal

Posted by Naomi Rockler-Gladen Apr 12, 2007

The infamous Duke University Lacrosse scandal has come to an end. Three former players who had been accused of raping an exotic dancer were acquitted of all charges.

False accusations of rape are an awful thing. However, what people need to know is that false accusations are by far the exception. What makes me very nervous about these widely publicized case and its outcome is that it may cast doubt on other women who accuse men of rape, or discourage rape victims from coming forward.

According to the American Association of University Women, 20 to 25 percent of women will be raped during the college careers! That means that for every college classroom where there are 20 female students, 4 to 5 of those women have been or will be raped. 65% of these assaults are not reported, largely because women are afraid that the attack is their own fault or that no one will believe them. Please take the time to read these extremely disturbing statistics about rape on college campuses.

If you are a rape victim who is reading this, please understand that what happened was not your fault. It doesn't matter how you were dressed, how much you had to drink, or how you behaved. No one deserves to be raped. If you haven't done so, seek psychological counseling at your school's counseling center or a woman's clinic. And don't be afraid to press charges. Yes, there are people who won't believe you, especially in light of the Duke University incident, but they are wrong to doubt you.

Help is out there , and you need and deserve it. For more information, contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.