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Oh, actresses: Helen Mirren is in hot water after claiming that "women on a rape jury would say the victim asked for it" because women are "sexually jealous" of one another. Mirren's statements come just months after a September GQ interview in which she said that a woman who willingly went home with a man and was raped shouldn't try and press rape charges. Mirren had previously admitted that she had been date raped twice, but failed to report the crimes because, "'you couldn't do that in those days." Her comments have been publicly chastised by Britain's Solicitor General Vera Baird, who said, "It's hard enough for victims who often feel guilt and shame to come forward in the first place. But to put forward this false idea that some covert conspiracy exists in the criminal justice system is very ignorant and totally and utterly wrong." What gives, Helen?
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Monday 01 December
By angelout
What gives, nothing gives ...she is old enough to say what she thinks without worrying about what dumb editors will write, after all, the truth hurts.
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Tuesday 02 December
By christy
For Mirren to make such an overgenaralization does the female population as a whole a huge disservice. I do not think she speaks for the majority of women. I think there would be few things more horrific than being help against one's will and raped. And I think the majority of women understand this, and have great compassion for anyone who has been a victim. This may be a lesson to us all not to take quite so seriously what celebrities say. I wish people did not give them so much credibility, and I hope women out there can see this comment for what it was: callous. Please know most of us do not feel this way!
Christy, RN
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Tuesday 02 December
By Clara
The truth hurts? Helen admitted it happened to her TWICE. But nothing could be done about it in "those days." Was she sexually jealous? Dumb prey because it happened twice? If something could have been done, would she have pursued her legal options? Was she asking for it since she stripped off in every film when she was younger and those "rapes" took place?
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Wednesday 03 December
By Donald Murrell
I am a man and have always been sympathetic to a woman who has been abused and/or raped. But rece ntly there seems to be a growing number of women who accuse then recant or are found guilty or admit to lying about the indiscretion. Like Miss Mirren says if one is cooperative to end up in a compromising situation there is some doubt to whom is the blame.Women aften report being escorted to questionable places and later after many conflicting reports claim rape. It is a mature, adult woman's responsibilitiy to take care of herself and pay attention to the "gut" signs that often occur with such situations. Rape is indeed a diffic ult act on which to place the blame.
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Thursday 04 December
By Leslie
Her opinion so drop it ! People seem to want to make a big deal out of everything. My opinion they need to get a life !
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Saturday 06 December
By MamaA
DITTO!!! (Christy-Dec. 2) Also given that for some women, not using your best judgement, "gut" instinct," common sense or (truly unfortunate) hanging out with a jerk with a cold heart and an overly sensitive second "brain", an event such as rape should NEVER be taken lightly. If the judicial system truly takes its rightful course, most cases should effectively be tried and found to be legitimate claims. As for Ms. Mirren, I've long admired her acting career, but sad to say, the media (esp. tabloid-style) jumps on ANY controversial comments and... VOILA!---
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Wednesday 10 December
By B
I agree it is her opinion, but seriously it is utterly crazy. Even if a woman puts herself in a 'compromising position' (honestly where do you draw the line on that?!) A man should have some self control and be able to stop if she says no. If you don't think that a man can be held responsible when he gets 'worked up' and can't stop, then you most certainly cannot hold a woman responsible for placing herself in a bad situation. It's not always easy to make that sort of call. Rape doesn't always happen with some creep you've just met in a dark alley, it can happen with someone who appears entirely safe.
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Thursday 11 December
By Angie
The fact is that women do put themselves in precarious situations and then seem surprised when something happens. There is no justification for rape, but when woman dresses like a slut, goes to a bar, and gets falling down drunk... It's like putting on a blindfold and wandering around in rush hour traffic. You know it's stupid. You know it's dangerous. And you did it on purpose. No a driver shouldn't hit you, but you chose to take that chance. Not all, or even most, rapes are "self-inflicted," but there's plenty of blame to go around and as a woman I'm sick of women who behave so pathetically. And while I'm ranting, I'm sorry if you don't want to use birth control, gals, but the bottom line is you're the one who gets stuck with the pregnant so you better watch out for yourselves. You can't trust a man to be responsible for anything. Deal with it.
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Thursday 11 December
By jud
Sometimes women willing have sex with a man and then later regrets it and says it was rape. Unfortunately most of the time when this happens it is long after it has happened and since it is too late to go to the E.R. and have an exam and evidance, it turns out to be he said she said. We all know this can happen if the guy dumps her and has another girlfriend. Both men and women have to be careful with whom they hook up with and other than sign a paper that it is concentual sex (which would ruin the moment) prior to sex, what happens would be hard to prove. Then of course the " I was drunk and was taken advantage of( both sexes) Stay sober, no drugs and good judgement should keep all out of trouble. And don't forget protection, even if on birth control. If one does not want to use protection, watch out as you probably will get more than your bargained for. Good Luck and be safe rather than sorry. You guys that don't want to use protection, are you ready to become a daddy????
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Friday 12 December
By Jewels
Having worked as a Rape Crisis Advocate I have to say that no woman DESERVES to be raped no matter what the circumstances of the situation!!!!
To say any different means we are excusing men, that they cannot CONTROL their 'biological urges'.
Men can control themselves and should NEVER take advantage of a woman just because you can overpower the woman and 'take it'.
Rape is the physical act of taking sex or forcing sexual acts from a person after the person without permission.
Think about that.
If a woman says NO in the middle of consensual sex, its time to pack it up and go home.....to continue is RAPE.
Men, just because a woman 'might' get you all hot and bothered doesn't mean it gives you permission to do ANYTHING.
A hard penis can be controlled. Raging hormones can be suppressed.
Remember, NO IS NO THE FIRST TIME! Pack it up and go home.
BTW, if a male/female is NOT 18 yet (17 1/2 doesn't count) it is statutory rape and a Sexual Offender label for LIFE.
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Monday 15 December
By Odonnell
She's right.
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