Rape is an abhorrent crime also at times difficult to prove if a one on one issue.

However when alcohol and drugs are combined it certainly lowers the victims ability to resist and also in many cases the wrong sexual signals are sent due to inhibited reactions, much the same as drunk driving.

Sadly there are those who choose their rape victims carefully and such alcohol and drug influenced victims are easy targets.

I had some contact with specialised police officers who dealt with rape cases and in many cases convictions were secured but there were times when border line cases were dismissed due to victims behaviour patterns.

Also sadly... in many cases victims would and do refuse to testify due to the social stigma attached to such a crime, we saw such attitudes in the Jimmy Saville issue as well as others. Rape is a crime where the victim is also seen by many people the person aiding and abetting the crime.


However in my view the judges comments are right on target if ones behaves in an irresponsible fashion you do endanger your self and also others.

In many cases apart from a massive hangover there are no serious subsequent reaction but in some cases the consequences are indeed horrific physical, mentally and socially.