Why is it so hard to believe the victims?

It really is sad that stories of rape and sexual harassment bring out the very worst in people. In a sample room of a hundred people, ninety nine will turn into complete scumbags in less than ten seconds flat.

One group will pipe up and say the victim is lying. They may say she had it coming because she is a bimbo who deserves to be raped just so she is put in her place. (I have actually heard guys say that). They will make up any fictitious allegory and engage in bizarre logic to hold on to the belief that rape never happens and that the victims are the villains.

Another group will put the victim on a pedestal and make her the next Joan of Arc for women's rights. She is turned in to a poster child for the next women's crusade.

It's hard for people to accept that rape happens, especially in a small community where the players all know each other. People sometimes do make false accusations, but these are rare. Many victims hesitate coming forward because they know they will be victimized all over again in the judicial system. Sometimes very little happens to the accused, despite overwhelming evidence.