Victims of rape who fail to report the crime cannot be sure they will remain unharmed by the perpetrator.
This is the view of the Rape Crisis Society.
“Not reporting does not ensure the victim’s safety. Breaking the silence can be very difficult. Many rape victims’ lives or their family’s lives are threatened to keep them from reporting,” an official from the society, who wished not to be identified, said.
However, attorney Larry Lalla said a victim who delayed in reporting the crime might encounter scepticism from the police when the crime was reported at a later date.
“It is very easy for women to make claims of rape and the police will look at surrounding circumstances. It’s usually the woman’s word against the attacker,” Lalla said.
On Monday, the T&T Guardian reported an incident where a 35-year-old woman allegedly claimed she was raped and beaten with a hammer on November 8, 2014. The woman, who visited the offices of the T&T Guardian in Port-of-Spain on Friday, said she did not report the first rape but she did, however, report the second rape, which was allegedly committed by the same man.
She said on the first occasion the man threatened to kill her if she went to the police and out of fear she chose not to make a report.
She said on the second occasion, however, when she was raped and beaten severely with a hammer, she made up her mind to go to the police.
Lalla said in that woman’s case, the police might have difficulties in proceeding to lay charges.
“In all likelihood the conviction may also be impossible without corroborating or supporting evidence, by way of medical or DNA sample or even an eyewitness to corroborate that the man forced her into the house or out of the car,” he added.
Lalla, however, advised rape victims that, despite threats, they should go straight to the police and preserve all available evidence, including torn clothes, semen on garments, and photographs of any bruises.
“All of these things are evidence that goes to corroborate the victim’s case,” Lalla said.
The Rape Crisis Society also encourages and supports victims. “If it is fear that is stopping the reporting, we reassure...talk them through what is likely to happen when they report, for example, through role play. Sharing your report can help initiate the healing process as it gives you the power in speaking your truth in an effort to attain justice.”
The official added that throughout the therapy the society’s goal is to empower and to heal. “Thus we support and guide clients to make their decisions. Clients’ fears can be very difficult to cope with.
“This difficulty is validated and coping skills are learnt or reinforced to help with the process.
“It is also important to provide a safe and secure environment for a client to cognitively engage and prepare themselves for the process of reporting and provide information on the agencies involved or documents needed. The society also provides referrals for clients to legal, health and other social services.”
The society’s 24-hour hotline service provides callers with trained personnel to offer assistance in such situations.
Rape victims can call 627-7273 or 657-5355.