

Is Rape Culture a Dangerous Myth?
Apr 19, 2020
In this conversation, Luke Gittos, a criminal law solicitor and author, challenges the prevailing narratives surrounding rape culture. He takes listeners through its origins and dissects the complexities of sexual violence allegations, emphasizing the importance of nuanced dialogues. Gittos addresses the critical balance between victim anonymity and the rights of the accused in judicial processes. Additionally, he highlights the often-ignored realities of male victims and insists on the need for a more equitable understanding of consent in today’s society.
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Rape Culture Defined
- "Rape culture" suggests cultural factors like misogynistic media and biased justice systems contribute to sexual violence.
- Luke Gittos wrote "Why Rape Culture Is a Dangerous Myth" to address this misleading climate.
Conviction Rate vs. Attrition Rate
- The 3% rape conviction rate statistic is a myth, often confusing attrition rate with conviction rate.
- The actual conviction rate in England and Wales is around 78%, unusually high, while the attrition rate, which considers all initial reports, hovers between 3-6%.
Difficulties in Proving Rape
- Rape cases often involve "he said, she said" scenarios, making them difficult to prove.
- Police investigations can be inadequate, sometimes due to outdated attitudes about sexual morality, hindering case progression.