LESSON 4/TASK 1
emotional damage to the victim can be caused by persons who still cling to beliefs in these myths.
One of these myths is that most rapes are false reports. This is just not true. Probably less than two
percent of reported rapes are false reports. People sometimes believe that women falsely accuse men
of rape as a means of getting even. When you think of the traumatic experience that a woman goes
through, even when handled with compassion and sensitivity, and the stigma that often attaches to
rape, the lack of logic to this myth becomes evident.
Associated with the myth of false reports is the one that the victim "asked for it." This myth is based on
societal attitudes toward dress, behavior, and drinking. It also assumes that rape is a sexual crime.
Rape is entirely too traumatic an experience for a woman to "ask for it."
That there can be no rape if the victim doesn't cooperate is another myth. This attitude is typified by
the expressions such as "a woman with her skirts up can run faster than a man with his pants down" or
"One cannot thread a needle if the needle does not stand still." Rape is a crime of violence. There is
either actual violence, or the threat of violence. Women don't cooperate in rape, they are forced
against their will. This is almost the same as saying there would not have been a homicide if the victim
had outrun the bullet. A rape case does not require physical injury to support the charge of rape. The
threat of force may be overwhelming.
This is a sampling of some of the myths that are associated with rape. None of them are valid.
Unfortunately, there are many others as well. Military police must be aware of these myths and
stereotypes. They cannot allow them to cloud their judgment. Every claim of rape must be treated as
valid, and the victim must be handled with all the compassion and sensitivity of which the MP is
capable.
INITIAL ACTIONS
Lend Aid and Comfort to the Victim
When MP encounter rape victims they must react quickly to ensure the emotional and physical well-
being of the victim. They check the physical condition of the victim and render immediate first aid.
Immediate life-saving steps will be taken when required. If there are no injuries apparent, inquire about
them, since they may be hidden by clothing. Rapport should be established with the victim as quickly
as possible. It is important that military police be aware and
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