Jenna Piasecki, Buffalo News
When Byron Brown stated that India Walton favors restorative justice practices, which would mean “no jail time for rapists,” it upset many rape survivors, myself included. The analysis of 2010-2014 Department of Justice data by the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network showed that only .6% of rapes result in incarceration. Most sexual assault survivors know this already, and don’t expect that a police report of a rape will result in jail time for the perpetrator.
Brown has had 15 years to improve the Buffalo Police Department’s approach to how rape survivors in Buffalo are treated. He could have taken steps by now to partner a social worker with a police officer to take the survivor’s statement in a supportive and caring approach. He could have changed the common practice of sending two male police officers to take domestic violence and sexual assault statements from traumatized survivors, often with little empathy. He could have made changes to ensure that everything possible is done to encourage survivors to report sexual assaults, and that those reports result in the perpetrators being brought to justice. He could have ensured that BPD prioritizes DV and rape calls made to 911.
Survivors of rape in Buffalo know all too well that here and across the country, incarceration rates of rapists are extremely low, and that the process does not prioritize the needs of the survivor. Brown could have worked to change this in Buffalo, but instead he rather fearmonger with false claims.
Jenna Piasecki
Buffalo
Recent Posts
Many See Democracy In Peril As U.S. Celebrates Independence Day
Take Action Now Nearly 60% of Americans think the U.S. is becoming a less democratic country. By Eric…
Amazon Doesn’t Care About Its Workers Who Are Veterans
Take Action Now Amazon is posing as a friend to veterans who need jobs when they return home from military service — while mistreating those…
After Abu Akleh’s Murder, Media Continued To Obscure Israeli Violence
Take Action Now The U.S. promised a full investigation, but nothing has happened so far despite overwhelming evidence showing she was…
The ACA Marketplace Is A Scam Covered With The Veneer of “Choice”
Take Action Now Purchasing health insurance on the marketplace is so confusing that it is impossible for consumers to make rational…