Multiple readers clued us into the latest incredibly disappointing fact about Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin: under her mayoral leadership in Wasilla, Alaska, rape victims were charged for their own rape kits. Op-Edna explains:
A rape kit is a sexual assault forensic evidence kit, used to collect DNA that can be used in criminal proceedings to assist in the conviction of those who commit sex crimes. The kit is performed as soon as possible after a sexual assault or attack has been committed. It is usually humiliating and uncomfortable for the victim-imagine enduring that and then paying $1200 just so that the criminal who assaulted you might be caught.
Let's put this into perspective. One of the services that almost every American (with the exception of a few hardcore Libertarians, I suppose) agree that our government should provide is policing and investigation into crime, especially of a violent nature. Rape, one of the most difficult to prosecute, disproportionately affects women--young women, in fact. If Palin wants to play fierce mother hen in her stump speeches, I suggest she explain how it is that she wouldn't do everything in her mayoral power to make sure that rapists be caught and prosected.
What adds insult to injury here is her stance on abortion for rape victims. So, not only did she neglect to support women who were raped in getting the evidence they needed to get justice, but she doesn't believe they should have the right to choose what happens with their bodies after they've endured such violation.
What a frickin' feminist.
Note: the Democratic governor changed this heinous policy in 2000.
Do I even need to explain why this angers me? Imagine that someone breaks into your house. The police arrive on the scene, and tell you that they'll dust for prints, but you're going to have to pay for it. THAT'S WHAT TAXES ARE FOR. Individuals should never bear the burden for the collection of evidence. It just goes to show that despite all the progress we've made when it comes to victims' rights, there are still people out there looking to undo it all. We can not have this woman in office.
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1 comment:
As a rape survivor, having a rape kit done afterward was pretty brutal. If I would've had to PAY for that rape kit, it would've been an additional kick in the face. I'm sure something was charged to insurance, but if I didn't have insurance, should I have had to pay for something like that?? I would certainly hope not.
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