Robert E. Lee

11/13/14

Officials attribute rise in W.Va rape crimes to more victims coming forward

Rapes are increasing in West Virginia whereas other crimes such as, aggravated assault, larceny

theft and property crime are decreasing, according to the FBI’s latest report.

Experts say the 9.4 percent increase from 2012 to 2013 is because more rape victims are coming

forward and filing reports

"Rape crimes are still occurring, they have not decreased, but it's important to note that victims

are taking action and filing reports," said Civil Legal Advocate, Brenda Joseph, a 30 year veteran

for the Non-Profit Organization Rape & Domestic Violence Information Center.

Sheriff Al Kisner of the Morgantown sheriff's department said, the increase in rape cases can be

attributed to the police department and other organizations taking greater strides in crime

prevention and educating the general public on the importance of filing a report.

"A big factor is that the media, where they used to identify rape victims in the past, no longer

name the victim as much, which helps the victim when they don't want to be publically known

but still wants to file a report on the crime that was committed against them. I think this helps a

lot," said Kisner.

In previous years, many victims failed to file a report after being raped, said Kisner. Some

reasons behind their failure to act is due to embarrassment or concerns that the rapist will

retaliate on the victim.

Filing a report increases the likelihood of catching the alleged perpetrator, according to Sergeant

Jeff Wright of West Virginia University's police department.

Police officials say it's best to file a report even if the individual doesn't want to press charges. If

an individual changes their mind later down the road, police can still do something about the

incident as long as it has been reported, according to Chief Ed Preston of the Morgantown Police

Department.

Preston said, if an individual doesn't file a report, it increases the likelihood that the perpetrator

will commit the crime again.

"A small number of men will commit these crimes over and over again because they were not

caught. Filing a report is good," said Joseph.

Training has also improved when dealing with rape cases.

"Society and law enforcement are better trained on what to do when a rape happens to

somebody. The training that our investigators have undergone allows them to be more sensitive

when they need to approach a rape victim," said Kisner. "This causes the victim to be more

cooperating."

Joseph said, if society can switch the mindset on victim blaming after they've been raped, victims

can become more likely to file a report.

"It's a good sign that people are filing reports with the Police Departments. It means people are

beginning to feel safe enough to do so," said Joseph.

Aside from educating people, there are other ways to help prevent individuals from being raped.

James Nolan, sociology and anthropology professor at West Virginia University, advised women

to avoid dark streets or alleyways and walk in groups. Carrying pepper spray or even using their

purse as a weapon can help. For men, Nolan said it helps to find something nearby to use as a

weapon for self-defense, avoid dark streets or alleyways and to walk in groups.

In any situation, for both men and women it's always advised to use your vocal power.

Nolan said, screaming distracts the perpetrator and also increases the chance of being saved by

somebody nearby who heard the cries for help.

"The worst thing an individual can do in any rape situation is allow the perpetrator to get them

alone," said Nolan. "At that point, it becomes extremely hard to escape or protect themselves"

Joseph said, there's no guarantee an individual is protected from date rape drugs, but there are

ways to help avoid them from being used on an individual.

"A safe bet would be to travel in packs, this helps if somebody goes missing," said Joseph. "If

the group designates at least one or two friends to remain sober, this can be used to help watch

over the group to try and create a safer atmosphere."

Typically, a rapist attacks a person to establish dominance and feel some sort of power over the

victim, according to Kisner.

If you or somebody you know is a victim of a rape crime, Kisner urges that you contact your

local police department immediately.

Those who wish to show their support can join the Rape & Domestic Violence Information

Center for their 'Walk A Mile in Her Shoes' event held on Saturday, April 26 from 1:00 pm to

4:00 pm, starting at the WVU Mountainlair Green.