Rape Victim Can't Say 'Rape' or 'Victim' in the Court Room
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Lincoln, Nebraska is home to a court case that should have all women sitting up and paying attention.
Tory Brown brought charges of rape against Pamir Safi. On October 31, 2006, she awoke to find Safi on top of her, having sex that she does not recall consenting to.
The judge on this case has decided that no one is allowed to use the words rape, victim, assailant or sexual assault kit during this trail. Brown is being told she has to refer to the alleged event as ‘sex’.
Brown is quoted in the Lincoln Journal Star as saying “The word ‘sex’ implies consent,” she said. “I never once would describe (what happened) as sex. He’s making me commit perjury.” And according to this same article, Brown is not willing to commit perjury.
This is a small thing, but I’d like to let Ms. Brown know that I support her and her right to speak freely and accurately about her experience.
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Trudi Evans |
| About the author: |
| Trudi Evans is the publisher of As We Are Magazine and an active member of the board of directors for the Eating Disorders Action Group. Her interests range from politics and writing to environmentalism and mixed-berry cobblers. She resides in Nova Scotia with her spouse Rob, their son Sam, and Sam’s cat Hero. |
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