'Fewer rape victims file complaints with police'
Director of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women says one of reasons women file less complaints is media exposure recent cases received. Recent survey reveals only 10% of victims file charges
Only 10% of women who have been victims of sexual assault file complaints with police, a new survey conducted by the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women revealed.
According to Director Marit Danon, one of the reasons victims hesitate to approach the authorities is the media exposure of recent legal cases that demonstrated what plaintiffs undergo.
Danon told ynet, "When a victim sees the anguish plaintiffs go through in the media, they think twice before filing charges. This is what happened after the much publicized cases of former President Katsav and Haim Ramon as well as also other cases that have received media attention."
The survey was conducted by Shiluv institute ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25.
Danon added that, according to survey, the public's perception of victims of sexual assault is flawed and misconstrued. "
The survey demonstrates the gaps between the perception and reality. For example, about 20% of the public believe that rape is the victim's fault even though data and testimonies prove that this is not the case. If we manage to change these misperceptions, the psychological barriers will be removed and more women will file complaints."
