Victory! Police Shape Up After Fining Rape Victim $500

Back in 2008, an 18-year-old Washington state woman was raped. She bravely reported her attack to the police. But they only then further traumatized the teenage woman when they accused her lying and charged her with false reporting. Except recent evidence came to light that proved the rape occurred as she said. While the police department reopened the case and refunded the woman her money, Ms. Magazine felt more needed to be done and asked Change.org members to help. Today, I am proud to report that your efforts have once again paid off.

Represented by a public defender, the teenage survivor ended up pleading guilty to the charge of false reporting and was sentenced to undergo mental health counseling, a deferred sentence, and a $500 fine. One slight problem with that -- a few weeks ago Colorado police caught a serial rapist and discovered photo documentation of his attack on this woman. Oops?

"We were wrong. Everybody feels terrible about it," Lynnwood Police Chief Steve Jensen said after the truth of the assault came to light. "We take sexual assaults very seriously." He claims inconsistencies in the victim's original account of the attack is what led to the disastrous false reporting charge. Yet rape survivor's stories often include inconsistencies, because the victim is attempting to reconstruct a severe trauma. Jumping to the conclusion of false reporting on this weak evidence, and treating a survivor like a criminal instead of a victim, is unacceptable. It's a striking example of the harm that can be done by a widespread tendency among law enforcement to blame or disbelieve victims.

Ms. started a petition asking that the Lynwood police department to issue a public apology and to implement policy to ensure that this travesty not repeat in the future. Specifically, they wanted the department to provide a trained victim's advocate for any person reporting a rape and to mandate sexual assault training for all officers, so that they understand how to talk with victims — and that not all victims tell their stories in the same way. Change.org members answered the call to action and hundreds of you signed the petition.

Almost immediately after launching the petition, with 500 signatures accrued in a short time span, Ms. received a response from the Lynnwood Commander of Police, Steve Rider. Rider expressed remorse regarding the situation and a dedication to seeing justice for the victim and re-education for the officers. He has reminded his department of “the importance of conducting these types of cases professionally, thoroughly and with a great deal of sensitivity for the victims." Furthermore, training for all officers and detectives by the county Special Assault Unit is planned.

While there is no way to undo the wrong that was done to the woman at the heart of this case, it is good to hear that the police were quick to admit their mistakes, accept responsibility, and make efforts to make sure they don't wind up in the same situation again. Ms. has pledged to keep an eye on the police department to see that it makes good on these positive-sounding promises.

Photo credit: banspy