Supreme Court Rejects Death Penalty for Raping Children

On Wednesday, June 25, the Supreme Court outlawed the death penaltly for those convicted of raping a child. Whether or not you believe in the death penalty itself, you can't argue that those convicted of this crime should not be punished severly. Although the death penalty is a touchy subject that is argued by both sides of the spectrum, what is worse than raping a child? It is argued that "a life was not taken", so punishment by death would be cruel and unusual punishment. I wonder if the victim or their families feel that "a life was not taken". When someone is raped or sexually assaulted at ANY age, it is a life altering experience that some people do not come away from in a positive way. Victims of sexal assault will live with their trauma for the rest of their lives. Perpetrators oftentimes sit in a jail cell for a designated time, and then return to society. When they are sentenced to life in prison, at least they will have to endure their punishment until their days on this earth are done. Death, some will say is more fitting, but either way the perpetrators will not lead a "normal" life. Sitting in a jail cell and living with what you have done is sometimes worse than being put out of your misery by a death sentence. Every circumstance is different...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25367455/from/ET/

Some Justice Was Served

The woman who endured 19 hours of rape and torture by an ex convict received some justice this week. Robert Williams was found guilty of over 40 counts that included rape and attempted murder. He will be sentenced on July 24 and could be facing life in prison. Due to the nature of this attack, and his complete lack of concern, no punishment seems to be severe enough.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25357421/from/ET/

She Survives 19 Hours of Torture

A Columbia University graduate student recounts the 19 hours of torture she was subjected to by Robert Williams, an ex convict. The young woman was able to point out her attacker in court as she described her ordeal. Williams showed no emotion in court. To hear more of her story: Please note: Some of the details given in this young womens testimony are disturbing and may not be appropriate for everyone.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25068659/from/ET/

Convicted Serial Rapist Buried with Full Military Honors

James Allen Selby was a serial rapist convicted in 2005 on 27 counts. He hung himself on the day he was supposed to be sentenced and was given full military honors at his funeral. "Jenny's Law" which is a bill that would deny those honors for those convicted of violent sex crimes needs your support! To read more on this story in the LA Times; http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-ream23jan23,0,5669391.story?coll=l

Can you help? YES!!! Call Chairman Bob Filner of the House Veteran's Affairs Committee at #(202)225-8045 and ask that he schedule a hearing on HR 5564 ("Jenny's Law") and send it to the House floor.

Sexual Assault Doesn't Discriminate

It doesn't matter what sex you are, the color of your skin, your ethnicity, religion or social class. It doesn't matter what country you live in, or what small part of this planet you may call home. Sexual assault happens to different people every day, all over this world. Societies address this problem in a lot of ways, but I think we can all agree that it never seems to get the attention it deserves. One group of people, right here in the United States, sees sexual assault and violence on a daily basis and yet it is still widely underreported. To read about Native Americans and their fight with this epidemic read the following: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1220311
Amnesty International also releases a report last year:http://www.amnestyusa.org/violence-against-women/maze-of-injustice/page.do?id=1021163&n1=3&n2=39&n3=1410
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Anonymous Rape Kits

Sexual assault victims oftentimes do not report their assault for numerous reasons. In 2009, states will be required to pay for the rape kits used in emergency rooms after an attack, even if the victim has not filed a police report. The rape exam is critical for collecting evidence and prosecuting rape cases. The "Jane Doe" kits were not always covered if a police report wasn't filed. Now the evidence collected will be in a sealed envelope with only a number to identify the victim. If the victim chooses to go forward with the case, the envelope can be opened by law enforcemnt.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080514/ap_on_re_us/jane_doe_rapes

YouTube, MySpace and Facebook

These networking and resourceful sites are free and available to anyone with internet access. Sexual assault victims are reaching out and even describing their stories on these popular sites. Victims' advocates are worried that the victims are sometimes giving out too much information. There are many pros and cons to using the internet as a outlet or helpful tool. One girl became upset when a prosecuter dropped her case and posted a video on YouTube.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/05/15/rape.online/index.html?iref=mpstoryview