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Originally Posted by Philly06Cup
You really think there is no sexism present in the legal process?
1. There are fewer female cops than male cops. This can make it more uncomfortable for women to come forward.
2. Sensitivity training of cops. They are not psychiatrists or medical professionals and can't fully comprehend what these women are going through.
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These are problems for sexual assault victims, but they are not problems related to sexism.
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3. Societal views on women's sexuality. Victim blaming is a real thing. There is a notion in parts of our society that women who dress or behave a certain way are partly to blame for unwanted sexual attention.
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This is sexism, and I would agree that though huge strides have been made, these attitudes still exist. Although I would also note that no one seems to be able to decide what attitudes about women's sexuality AREN'T sexist, given that apparently lipstick feminism is in some peoples' minds just fueling some poorly defined oppressive patriarchal system... but that's a whole other issue. With you on this one.
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4. Emphasis on testimony. One reason sexual assault cases are special is because it so often is he said she said. Sexual activities occur behind closed doors, and leave behind little evidence. Consent is very much a grey area. This means the testimony is sometimes all a victim has to make a case. And indeed it can very easily be attack by a savvy cross-examination. Also remember that most witnesses are still extremely traumatized witness by the events. With other crimes, there is more solid evidence to rely on. The trauma of having someone sexually assault you is also much greater than a normal assault or having someone rob you.
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This is also not a problem related to sexism, but related to the circumstances surrounding the offence and the demands of our legal system for evidence before subjecting people to criminal sanctions. There's no obvious solution in light of that tension - degrading the burden of proof is an absolute non-starter.
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5. Lack of understanding of sexual trauma. This has definitely gotten better in recent times. But in the past, it was not understood that victims of sexual assault could still seek out their abuser, or exhibit other 'irrational' behaviour. It's probably still not understood by many in our society, and contributes to victim blaming / shaming.
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Agree with this one too, it's basically part and parcel with #3.