Saturday, October 12, 2013

The difference between victims and survivors...

I read stories about rape and sexual assault all the time.  It is, unfortunately, a part of our world.

Usually I read, shake my head sadly, then move on.  As important as they might be, I really don't have anything worthwhile to say about them.  Rape is awful and horrible and despicable and people who do it deserve to have their bits chewed off by rabid squirrels, I think we can all agree on that one.

But I had to pause at the article I read today and give it a second look [link].

Not because it was any different to the myriad of other rape case news articles, in fact it was pretty much the same thing.  Man attacks woman trying to kidnap her, rape her and murder her.  Luckily woman gets away and man get arrested.  All pretty straight forward.

But that's not what got my attention.  What I focused on almost immediately was the mug shot of the guy that was included in the article.

He looked like he'd gone seven rounds with a feral cat ... and lost.

I don't know the details of what he did to that poor woman but, if his face is anything to go by, it certainly looks like she put up a good fight.  It must have been terrifying, but she managed to scratch up his face like nobody's business.  I'd imagine he'll have a hard time if he tries to claim it was consensual.

I can't help thinking it's the perfect reminder that women and men who've been raped aren't just victims ... they're survivors and battlers ...

... and, if that picture is anything to judge by, rather vicious fighters.

20 comments:

  1. Now he can be on the other side of the rape issue as Bubba's girlfriend in the Big House. No sympathy here.

    S

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  2. Interesting case, Kelli. I all but sighed a breath of relief when it said it was an attempted rape...meaning she was at least spared part of a horrible ordeal. Being kidnapped and beat up though is still a horrific thing to have happened. Good for her to put up the fight she did. Often the circumstances don't allow for that. I hope the guy spends years and years behind bars. Scary stuff.

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  3. She didn't go easily, that's for sure. Good for her.

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  4. Good for her for giving him some scars to remember her by...

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    1. Some of them do look like they might leave a bit of a mark, don't they.

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  5. That's a strange hobby you have. I read stories about glittery teenage vampires, you read stories about rape, to each their own.
    But good for that woman! Hopefully he'll be getting a few new scars in prison.

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  6. That woman is a bona fide ass-kicker. Then again, so are the rapist's new cell mates.

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  7. I hope he rots in hell and I hope he has a helluva' lot more injuries than what we're seeing here, not only from the woman but also from the local police. Here the police like to throw their two cents in from time to time especially with rapists and pedophiles and I'm okay with that.
    I also hope this woman goes on every talk show she can to explain to others out there exactly how she fought back and what her mind set was. Her horrific experience could save a life.
    Great post.

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  8. Ya, i thought the same thing when I saw the photo and I wasn't even to that part of your opinion. Rapist are angry and when they lash out with that anger on an innocent woman, ya fighting would have to be the course. This world is full of awful evil, just awful. So glad she got away!!!

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  9. I can barely stand to read the so called news anymore. Violence everywhere...

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  10. Hopefully a day will come when the blame will not be on the victim.

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  11. Yeouch. It stings to think of how he might have retaliated. Thankfully a mugshot means he was caught.

    Thank you for visiting Supers Sunday Sync.

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  12. I don't agree that rapists should have their bits chewed off by rabid squirrels. Imagine being the squirrel that had that job! He was promised nuts, but didn't get what he expected.

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