The outcome of Kenneth Rhodes case is an example of how victim blaming proved to be successful for the real offender. A judge in Manitoba said that because of the survivors attire and how she conducted herself that night, “sex was in the air.” So what was his sentence, you ask? A tiny, two year conditional sentence, during which he was allowed to remain free in his community.
Rhodes met the 26 year old woman while she was enjoying a night out at a local bar. Because of the ‘inviting circumstance’ in which they met, the judge stated that Rhodes probably misunderstood what the victim wanted. Judge Dewar specifically noted that the women were wearing tube-tops with no bra, high heels and plenty of makeup, which, he claimed, “made their intentions publicly known that they wanted to party”. He went on to say the women spoke of going swimming in a nearby lake that night, “notwithstanding the fact neither of them had a bathing suit.” Instead of punishing the offender for forcing sex upon his victim along side a dark rode, he stated that this was a case of misunderstood signals. The fact that alchohol was a factor was stated, however it was the reason they both did not have the ability to make good judgments that night.
Rhodes got off with a slap on the wrist as if the judge believed all the elements of the night justified his actions. By pointing out a woman’s attire and making reference to her voluntary alcohol consumption, the blame gets turned over onto the victim. This is just one of many cases in which victim blaming has occurred and it needs to be stopped. Anyone who survives a rape or sexual violence should be able to have a voice and speak out against their offender.
End Rape Culture Now 