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.
