Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Anger over thong claim in rape trial: Uproar after barrister makes victim-blaming comments

Source Website: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/uproar-after-barrister-makes-victim-blaming-comments-court
By Adeline Tan,The New Paper, 19 November 2018 at 06:00 am


Many people have said that showing the victim's underwear in court was humiliating and insensitive.
PHOTO: Many people have said that showing the victim's underwear in court was humiliating and insensitive.
SCREENGRAB: NPR.ORG WEBSITE
Picture posted by By Adeline Tan,The New Paper on 19 November 2018 at 06:00 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMP3RMv3HvgShYZVdkWh-0q6yKgXV7W1p3vBF9ZeMIKt-bqzRoPFsZ80ncmtkDYyd5yev-vXB2r4AN12fErHnUcXt3JCZN-iBgI8cDoxrwS7Nvb1d5svhArGv94iHP_xFnZ93KAOfZ0s/s1600/NP_20181119_ATTHONG19AA_4424346.jpg
https://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl780/public/articles/2018/11/19/NP_20181119_ATTHONG19AA_4424346.jpg?itok=2g6zGw1a
https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/uproar-after-barrister-makes-victim-blaming-comments-court


Aware joins global outcry over acquittal after defence lawyer suggests alleged victim, 17, consented to sex because she wore a thong

Does wearing a thong mean that a woman is consenting to sex?

This was what a defence lawyer in Cork, Ireland, implied in defending a man, 27, accused of raping a 17-year-old girl.

The Irish Examiner reported that Senior Counsel Elizabeth O'Connell said in her closing remarks of the rape trial earlier this month: "Does the evidence outrule the possibility that she was attracted to the defendant and was open to meeting someone and being with someone?
 

Global outcry over acquittal after defence lawyer suggests alleged victim, 17, consented to sex because she wore a thong.
PHOTO: Global outcry over acquittal after defence lawyer suggests alleged victim, 17, consented to sex because she wore a thong. This was what a defence lawyer in Cork, Ireland, implied in defending a man, 27, accused of raping a 17-year-old girl.
Picture posted by Davi Merchan, London on 15 November 2018 at 1:47 PM ET - People gather for a protest in support of victims of Sexual violence on O'Connell Street, Dublin, 14 November 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-WTHoERc9xtxZParYPc1oe7ArT4msSRLwoc-w1bX-6Q8DO_vaI7wdZplWfnK4Ni7VWz40RlvalnsZkdTr4bJQ6KE7nP9ZAV-sMauI1mpRUoiB1rXY2YhhyrM5MbZ9tgxNyxqcNioHZI/s1600/rape-ireland-2-zp-er-181115_hpEmbed_3x2_992.jpg
https://s.abcnews.com/images/International/rape-ireland-2-zp-er-181115_hpEmbed_3x2_992.jpg
https://abcnews.go.com/International/women-globe-protest-acquittal-irish-rape-case-showing/story?id=59217465


"You have to look at the way she was dressed. She was wearing a thong with a lace front."

She showed a thong, a piece of underwear with a strip of fabric at the back that exposes the buttocks, to the jury of eight men and four women.

The jurors deliberated for 90 minutes before unanimously acquitting the accused.

Ms O'Connell's argument and the acquittal sparked outrage in Ireland as hundreds of people took to the streets in protest.


Ms O'Connell's argument: 'You have to look at the way she was dressed. She was wearing a thong with a lace front.'
PHOTO: Ms O'Connell's argument: "You have to look at the way she was dressed. She was wearing a thong with a lace front."
She showed a thong, a piece of underwear with a strip of fabric at the back that exposes the buttocks, to the jury of eight men and four women.
She is trying to say that if a sumo wrestler wears a thong without a lace front, nobody will thought of raping him.
Picture posted by Charlie Carballo For Mailonline on 28 May 2015 at  07:27 GMT - Playing with the big boys! Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe battles a sumo wrestler
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgmwqQrpNOy1XdKy2YValJWyR94rBhI3m7D4h1NFY45M8R3iM1VFNKL4Mf59SWrG2Qo0p7-7xEaG5Bt3if-m4Yzxs2QUuAhsJUp8chiwNUH-uKRqgtX12RcMRpyGi-qgX7kLdQQSmL1A/s1600/292184EF00000578-3100310-image-m-147_1432786796427.jpg
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/28/05/292184EF00000578-3100310-image-m-147_1432786796427.jpg
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3100310/Playing-big-boys-Bachelorette-Kaitlyn-Bristowe-slams-sumo-wrestler-suitors-BARELY-covered-battle.html


It also led to a global movement of women posting pictures of their thongs on social media with the hashtag #ThisIsNotConsent.

In Singapore, the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) joined in condemning the practice of victim-blaming in sexual assault cases.

When contacted by The New Paper, Aware's head of advocacy and research, Ms Shailey Hingorani, said Singapore is not spared from "this dangerous belief" of victim-blaming.

She noted that many survivors in Aware's Sexual Assault Care Centre did not seek support or report sexual crimes against them because of negative reactions they had received from their friends, family and even professionals.

"Consent does not come in the form of a piece of cloth or a dress. It has to be freely and voluntarily given by each person involved," Ms Hingorani said.


Consent does not come in the form of a piece of cloth or a dress.
PHOTO: "Consent does not come in the form of a piece of cloth or a dress. It has to be freely and voluntarily given by each person involved," Ms Hingorani said.
Picture posted by Emily Sheridan on 11 July 2012 at  06:58 GMT - Youthful actress Roxanne Pallett, 29, showed off a lot of leg in a racy asymmetrical dress as she attended the London screening of the stripper. Roxanne grabs her dress as she tries to avoid a wardrobe malfunctionmovie at the May Fair Hotel.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo0Y09iyoaY5o8aLz80DNmMptmwR2LQx0-WQ1wEPeLmBVsI6h4SNg5dZItghitQDGf2-GXASHx2zVic7p6gx43Tdpf0ix1nEgfABGTr4UcEKO3C28jLvPDbNt-e7g4kJsz7atKz6JMj8/s1600/article-2171821-1401B833000005DC-501_306x667.jpg
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/07/11/article-2171821-1401B833000005DC-501_306x667.jpg
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2171821/Roxanne-Pallett-creates-optical-illusion-leggy-dress-Magic-Mike-premiere.html
 

In Singapore, the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) joined in condemning the practice of victim-blaming in sexual assault cases.
PHOTO: In Singapore, the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) joined in condemning the practice of victim-blaming in sexual assault cases.
Picture posted by FameFlynet Pictures on 10 July 2012 - "Emmerdale" babe Roxanne Pallett leaves her London hotel bound for the "Magic Mike" screening on July 10, 2012. She stepped out as the Lady in Red wearing a designer dress by her friend Nadine Merabi.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjnVv2tRRZfzpUX5IHnJHQSf95dTVr3TtfpWObOP62Cbh_z-qYO8AQtUDtnwUhGeHHwwvepMgmGjbG1e7wtCDz1ZK7p3svjcMKA_KiXDPVBLosRv3lAJ9yFxT_q7nqc4wYE2uS_F9v7o/s1600/Roxanne%252BPallett%252BLady%252BRed%252B0mBjf_nYgI_x.jpg
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/fp/Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red+0mBjf_nYgI_x.jpg
http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Roxanne+Pallett/Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red/0mBjf_nYgI_


"Survivors have been assaulted wearing anything from their pyjamas to school uniforms. Sexual assault is not about a woman's clothing.

"It is a choice that a perpetrator makes to disregard someone's consent and autonomy over their own body."

Ms Claire McFarlane, the founder of Footsteps To Inspire - a global campaign to raise awareness for victims of sexual assault - lamented that victim-blaming is common.


Survivors have been assaulted wearing anything from their pyjamas to school uniforms. Sexual assault is not about a woman's clothing.
PHOTO: "Survivors have been assaulted wearing anything from their pyjamas to school uniforms. Sexual assault is not about a woman's clothing."
Picture posted by FameFlynet Pictures on 10 July 2012 - "Emmerdale" babe Roxanne Pallett leaves her London hotel bound for the "Magic Mike" screening on July 10, 2012. She stepped out as the Lady in Red wearing a designer dress by her friend Nadine Merabi.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmMlcFhUxkCXZ05-J3UQ4yNaN8EJllgFFLOsuJDVWU-lAa1ViD5IZI7Y-RdQK9I0NEibybWBpWfqfQuNjrGQFsh3nsOhkbIABrrDa9U9h5y4DAb8LyY6aOx_aDh4Pt99BhVGZSNhWeGs/s1600/Roxanne%252BPallett%252BLady%252BRed%252BuBRz-SueXVVx.jpg
http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/fp/Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red+uBRz-SueXVVx.jpg
http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Roxanne+Pallett/Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red/uBRz-SueXVV
 

It is a choice that a perpetrator makes to disregard someone's consent and autonomy over their own body.
PHOTO: "It is a choice that a perpetrator makes to disregard someone's consent and autonomy over their own body."
Picture posted by Emily Sheridan on 11 July 2012 at  06:58 GMT - Roxanne looked understandably nervous leaving her hotel as the wind whipped her dress away from her legs.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_ptUBchOyEKBKAuSY6oy2-WHHO3jc8-k4FUNkq6fkUJDRy061b4daBzK3JlXG0GALJ5CYv-mp0a7wTFFo3vBCNK_c0o7tC8vWM_BeLruOkaQVQXTtxRqiM6D2MVxfyQq4xyKgFHx0ww/s1600/article-2171821-1401B7FC000005DC-187_634x876.jpg
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/07/11/article-2171821-1401B7FC000005DC-187_634x876.jpg
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2171821/Roxanne-Pallett-creates-optical-illusion-leggy-dress-Magic-Mike-premiere.html


The rape survivor told TNP: "We need to stop finding excuses to justify rape and instead ask the rapist why they chose to force another person into a sexual act, why they hurt another person.

"Rape and sexual violence are abuse of power, they have nothing to do with sex. When a sexual act is forced on another person and they don't want it, it is rape. It is as simple as that."

Ms McFarlane, who was in Singapore in March last year to support sexual assault survivors, added: "The world needs specialised sexual violence courts. Victim's rights must be protected during a court hearing."


Rape and sexual violence are abuse of power, they have nothing to do with sex.
PHOTO: "Rape and sexual violence are abuse of power, they have nothing to do with sex. When a sexual act is forced on another person and they don't want it, it is rape. It is as simple as that."
Picture posted by Aleksandar on 12 July 2012 - ROXANNE PALLETT at Magic Mike Premiere in London
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KZzRXGwVj6h6zbmS1T6A0QNlVHuDUC0z8O2CxjIEgcnX2lKGpRZDbvjpnwBDsKWGtsNbg93Ufov_3BzV3hhBvGfCbNuZRl67MNLUS6yiVObW1ywGypw24wXuJnnqvWbdon8Ug_qvRxQ/s1600/ROXANNE-PALLETT-at-Magic-Mike-Premiere-in-London-20.jpg
http://www.hawtcelebs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ROXANNE-PALLETT-at-Magic-Mike-Premiere-in-London-20.jpg
http://www.hawtcelebs.com/roxanne-pallett-at-magic-mike-premiere-in-london/#jp-carousel-75496


Condemning Ms O'Connell's remarks as inappropriate, copywriter Chloe Tong, 25, said: "Women, including myself, wear thongs for many reasons besides attracting a sexual partner. Thongs are very discreet under clothing, and they are easy to wash and fast to dry."


Condemning Ms O'Connell's remarks as inappropriate, copywriter Chloe Tong, 25, said: 'Women, including myself, wear thongs for many reasons besides attracting a sexual partner.
PHOTO: Condemning Ms O'Connell's remarks as inappropriate, copywriter Chloe Tong, 25, said: "Women, including myself, wear thongs for many reasons besides attracting a sexual partner. Thongs are very discreet under clothing, and they are easy to wash and fast to dry."
Picture posted by FameFlynet Pictures on 10 July 2012 - "Emmerdale" babe Roxanne Pallett leaves her London hotel bound for the "Magic Mike" screening on July 10, 2012. She stepped out as the Lady in Red wearing a designer dress by her friend Nadine Merabi.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkbRQ_LF5_vVjPSTyaSQeRiOrbSBt72SPqWVEaffIuxIZXxFUeonx3pSd3k_Ah353R6MKo35J8t4_5Giw_j6UO8SDg6pG3Mmc6NAGDTg1pEDvp8UwaeKnfOA6Khy342mQnXPbB-p4KTU/s1600/Roxanne%252BPallett%252BLady%252BRed%252BWpICYn2fyXex.jpg
http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/fp/Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red+WpICYn2fyXex.jpg
http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Roxanne+Pallett/Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red/uBRz-SueXVV
 

Ireland's prime minister, Mr Leo Varadkar, said: 'Nobody asks to be raped. And it's never the victim's fault. It doesn't matter what you wear, it doesn't matter where you went, who you went with, or what you took - whether it was drugs or alcohol.'
PHOTO: Ireland's prime minister, Mr Leo Varadkar, said: "Nobody asks to be raped. And it's never the victim's fault. It doesn't matter what you wear, it doesn't matter where you went, who you went with, or what you took - whether it was drugs or alcohol."
Picture posted by FameFlynet Pictures on 10 July 2012 - "Emmerdale" babe Roxanne Pallett leaves her London hotel bound for the "Magic Mike" screening on July 10, 2012. She stepped out as the Lady in Red wearing a designer dress by her friend Nadine Merabi.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9iA-mplR5l5vb86wijQuEtCso-wXw04kZ72Ol4P1V_Bh8cydWctydELrJZAtZTYCylspABrGpAKMgVrehuCZfK24Xr6WU-wkKa9ZoJIadEEneAt8-TEEXg9vXN7Li0Z5iTQeYno_C-8/s1600/Roxanne%252BPallett%252BRoxanne%252BPallett%252BLady%252BRed%252BqrB-gR33hyLx.jpg
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/fp/Roxanne+Pallett+Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red+qrB-gR33hyLx.jpg
http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Roxanne+Pallett/Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red/fcOpSR42Ik8
 

Ms McFarlane (the founder of Footsteps To Inspire - a global campaign to raise awareness for victims of sexual assault), who was in Singapore in March last year to support sexual assault survivors
PHOTO: Ms McFarlane (the founder of Footsteps To Inspire - a global campaign to raise awareness for victims of sexual assault), who was in Singapore in March last year to support sexual assault survivors, added: "The world needs specialised sexual violence courts. Victim's rights must be protected during a court hearing."
Picture posted by FameFlynet Pictures on 10 July 2012 - "Emmerdale" babe Roxanne Pallett leaves her London hotel bound for the "Magic Mike" screening on July 10, 2012. She stepped out as the Lady in Red wearing a designer dress by her friend Nadine Merabi.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1Kso_5fLjYhgzN8Lo-ViAW2oE6coQ9mw1HXmknnthoDqoWy7iHFFZQUB9K8H5yYHDu3O5zsfjmt0pVH_UTtjj1pGRcQwnhyFcL3ZeIXdkTP5DZp42CGBBQk971yWm4_czYUAGzNeeD4/s1600/Roxanne%252BPallett%252BRoxanne%252BPallett%252BLady%252BRed%252BBv8uElV6v2Wx.jpg
http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/fp/Roxanne+Pallett+Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red+Bv8uElV6v2Wx.jpg
http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Roxanne+Pallett/Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red/fcOpSR42Ik8


A student who wanted to be known as Ms Ting feels it is hard to change mindsets in a conservative society like Singapore.

"Dressing skimpily may draw negative comments from people and undesirable attention, and could put the person in an unwanted situation," she said.


Dressing skimpily may draw negative comments from people and undesirable attention, and could put the person in an unwanted situation
PHOTO: The rape survivor told TNP: "We need to stop finding excuses to justify rape and instead ask the rapist why they chose to force another person into a sexual act, why they hurt another person."
Picture posted by FameFlynet Pictures on 10 July 2012 - "Emmerdale" babe Roxanne Pallett leaves her London hotel bound for the "Magic Mike" screening on July 10, 2012. She stepped out as the Lady in Red wearing a designer dress by her friend Nadine Merabi.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9G5TT4P1oZWZGB3LablSOaepDUksdNb_uCSbsfnl06aYq3YXsBFsMKjXIG78TvKIFcfgGR8TeYTCe6IJ3us8PHt-LEDsly1ymXpv2KsstJl_28iwtCj-DbwrOG1zYQvJzNCd1q2vVLk/s1600/Roxanne%252BPallett%252BRoxanne%252BPallett%252BLady%252BRed%252BfcOpSR42Ik8x.jpg
http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/fp/Roxanne+Pallett+Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red+fcOpSR42Ik8x.jpg
http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Roxanne+Pallett/Roxanne+Pallett+Lady+Red/fcOpSR42Ik8


Does wearing a thong mean that a woman is consenting to sex?
PHOTO: Does wearing a thong mean that a woman is consenting to sex?
The jurors deliberated for 90 minutes before unanimously acquitting the accused. Does that mean that so long as any attractive female is wearing thong, can be raped? The jury of eight men and four women after seeing a thong, a piece of underwear with a strip of fabric at the back that exposes the buttocks, are perceived (interpreted) to have sent such a message to the imperfect world.
However, Ms O'Connell's argument and the acquittal sparked outrage in Ireland as hundreds of people took to the streets in protest.
Picture posted by subwayass on 4 November 2013 at 8:13 PM - Girl at the beach 3 best view!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZy29I6aUqLelSQb125iKZJNLcLozkfxB5NUvsLxKstdaFg9KD4FOYKvMXr1RZ5ahlB-k6MIWklNpnhZWamRittsD2PvgOLOBBJmzjWnMxPiDF4WF5eD1z5mMeJIahyphenhyphenxROYahzKFLyDk/s1600/BYQuYWqIEAAFdga.jpg+large.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BYQuYWqIEAAFdga.jpg:large
https://twitter.com/subwayass/status/397577489217638400
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2016/05/5-ways-to-sculpt-lean-thighs-from-floor.html

By Adeline Tan,The New Paper, 19 November 2018 at 06:00 am
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Reference
[1] Adeline Tan,The New Paper, Anger over thong claim in rape trial: Uproar after barrister makes victim-blaming comments, posted on 19 November 2018 at 06:00 am, https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/uproar-after-barrister-makes-victim-blaming-comments-court


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