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'Drunk' rape victims had compensation payments cut



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Published Date: 13 August 2008
By Tanya Thompson
RAPE victims who admitted drinking alcohol before being attacked have had their compensation payments cut, it emerged yesterday.
Campaigners condemned the move last night.

In the past year, 14 rape victims – 1 per cent of all rape- related applications – were told by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) they would receive reduced payments because they were under the influence when attacked.

One woman successfully overturned a decision by CICA to award her less money because she had been drinking "excessively".

CICA said yesterday its compensation scheme was "originally applied wrongly" but the mistake was corrected and the award was paid in full.



The full article contains 109 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

 
1

Guga II,

Rockall 13/08/2008 01:37:32
What sicko in the CICA thought that one up? The fact that the women were "under the influence" is totally irrelevant.

I think the CICA should be reviewing its employment policies, and maybe start employing people who don't have a 19th century mindset.
2

Vincent-W,

13/08/2008 06:53:25
Does that mean murdering a drunk carries a lower penalty?

I'm with Guga on this one - madness!!

I'm glad there has been a successful appeal - perhaps this lunacy will end.
3

Boy Wonder,

13/08/2008 08:21:04
Just because a girl is drunk does not give a man the right to molest and force sex on them! Even a drunk and incapable "NO" is still NO!

This is a disgusting move by CICA and needs reversed across the board completely!
4

albanman,

13/08/2008 08:53:27
I'm a bit puzzled, so perhaps someone can answer a question. What is the purpose of giving someone financial compensation out of the public purse after being raped or beaten up?
5

Yane,

13/08/2008 10:27:49
#4 Is it because it is considered that the State failed in its Duty of Care to protect you?
6

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 13/08/2008 10:38:44
"RAPE victims who admitted drinking alcohol before being attacked have had their compensation payments cut, it emerged yesterday."

I know I'm going to stir up a hornets nest here, but I agree with that principle. At the end of the day, you can drink as much or as little as you want, provided you take responsibility for your own actions.

Yes, rape is wrong and whoever commits it is clearly in breach of the law. However, the onus is still on the individual who is the victim to make every effort to avoid the situation in the first place. You have to ask yourself the question as to whether of not the incident would have happened had the victim been sober---or at the very least not completely off their face.

Judging by the state I've seen some girls get into---where they are totally dependant upon the goodwill of those around them to keep them safe---it is hardly surprising that a judge might ask himself the question outlined above when deciding on a compensation award.

At the end of the day, everyone has the right not to be raped, but at the same time they must take responsibility for their own safety and endeavour to avoid situations where there may be a threat to their well-being.
7

Urban Guerrilla,

Edinburgh 13/08/2008 11:19:08
#6, totally agree. Has no-one ever heard of personal responsibility?

If I were mugged at knifepoint and had my wallet stolen, I'd surely be entitled to more sympathy than if I'd got totally blootered and staggered home with my wallet sticking temptingly out of my back pocket?
8

JoeMcT,

BlairsFantasyIsland 13/08/2008 13:55:00
CICA should be renamed SICKO.
9

truthsleuth,

13/08/2008 13:57:46
I thought 'mitigating circumstances. were considered in all judgments/penalties.

Just why is 'Rape' a separate offence
Surely 'Aggravated Bodily Harm ' will cover it.

Oce more we cater for 'interest groups'.
10

JoeMcT,

BlairsFantasyIsland 13/08/2008 13:58:02
"However, the onus is still on the individual who is the victim to make every effort to avoid the situation in the first place"

And IF the victim is threatened with a knife or murder what exactly do you expect them to do?

 

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