| The Pocono Record reports today that a young woman who claimed to have been raped at knifepoint at East Stroudsburg University (ESU) now admits she made up the incident to call attention away from her real problems.
This is the second time since July that Monroe County police have investigated what turned out to be a false rape report.
In both the ESU case and the earlier case, police, fortunately, did not apprehend suspects who fit the descriptions given by the young women. Had they done so, two innocent young men's lives would have changed forever - all because of lies.
Rape remains a serious, widespread and dangerous problem. Experts from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) estimate that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Victims report elevated rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicidal impulses. If you or someone you know has survived a rape or a sexual assault and need help, then you may anonymously and confidentially contact a trained counselor by calling 1-800-656-HOPE.
But the fact remains that not every rape allegation turns out to be true - and not everyone who makes a false claim has the decency to retract it. Rape cases often come down to one person's word against another's, and in these cases it is especially important to investigate whether the alleged victim might be making a false claim.
If you are charged with rape in Monroe County, then you need a Stroudsburg sex crime lawyer who will work hard to find any evidence that may help your case and who will do everything he can to expose instances of false allegations so that your reputation and freedom are not placed at risk.
|
Posted By Patrick M. Rogan on August 28, 2009 08:49 am | Permalink  |