Crime & Law Enforcement Issues & Death Penalty/Rape Article

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Expert: - 4/30/2007


Question
My name is Cornell Green. I am a journalism student at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a freelance reporter for the Erie Times-News, the Erie, Pennsylvania daily paper.

There are nearly three times more rapes in Erie per 100,000 people than the national and state averages, including those in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

My questions are:

What do you feel, as a result of your personal experiences is the driving motivation (macro or micro level) behind rape?

Are there any circumstances that cause it (macro or micro)

What are some reasons that rape would be disproportionately high in this particular area?  

Answer
Cornell,

What you are asking is a very broad based question.  I will do my best to answer but it is somewhat out of the scope of my experience.

I am not sure if you are separating the crimes of rape, statutory rape, or spousal rape, and if you are inquiring about "date" or acquaintance rape (which is still the crime of rape but is often significantly under-reported).

From my studies and experience the crime of rape is one of brutality toward the victim and not one primarily of sexual gratification.  It is about the feeling one gets exercising power, control, and dominance over the target victim.  Sexual release may be gained in the process but the gratification trigger is definitely psychological.

I would recommend the text: "Discipline & Punish" by Michael Foucalt as a good primer in understanding some of subtle principles involved.

Personally I dismiss the common notions that a victim can entice her (or his) attacker by dressing provocatively, etc.  I know that the crime exists in every state of the union and transcends all ethnic, racial, and economic parameters.  I am not sure that it is more prevalent in low-income areas than high one due to the fact that as acquaintance rape it is under-reported as well.       

If Erie is experiencing a dramatic and substantial surge and increase in this particular crime that is truly interesting, but unfortunately I cannot comment on it.  I know that Erie is not too different than Eastern PA from a demographic perspective.

I know this is brief, but I hope it helps.  

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Licensed Private Detective with expansive clientele base encompassing hundreds of cases. Donates resources and time to the Children's Rescue Network in Orlando, FL. Adjunct professor of Criminal Justice, Political Science, & Paralegal Studies teaching on the courses of: "Criminal Law;" "Constitutional Law;" "Bankruptcy Law for Paralegals;" "Real Estate Law for Paralegals;" "Psychological Profiling;" "Introduction to the Criminal Justice System," White Collar Crime;" "Crime Prevention;" "Risk Management;" "International Policing;" "Eight Skills of the Effective Criminal Justice Student;" "Deviance and Violence;" Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree Capstone;" among others. Decorated retired 15 year veteran police sergeant, twice promoted through the civil service commission. Served in the capacities of patrol officer, training officer, SWAT officer, first line patrol supervisor and administrative supervisor. Graduate of several criminal investigation schools and currently a licensed private detective. Holding over 50 certifications related to police training and instructing in disciplines such as "defensive tactics," "firearms," and "professional development." 12 year veteran of the United States Army. Rank of Staff-Sergeant (E-6). Held positions of Platoon Sergeant, Asst. Platoon Sergeant, Squad Leader, Fire Team Leader, Supply Sergeant, and Liaison NCO at staff officer level. Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 11BPF7, Airborne Infantry NCO Soldier & Pathfinder. Cross trained into the field of supply (76Y) and administration (71L). Completed PLDC, BNCOC, ANCOC, and Chemical Branch Officer Basic leadership courses. Current subject matter expert and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, & Nuclear) Commissioned Chemical Branch Officer serving in the U.S. Army.

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