17-year-old sexual assault victim could face charges for tweeting names of attackers

[03EBZ06]

A Kentucky girl who was sexually assaulted could face contempt of court charges (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120720/NEWS01/307200106/Sexual-assault-victim-s-tweets-about-attackers-prompt-contempt-case-against-Louisville-s-Savannah-Dietrich) after she tweeted the names of her juvenile attackers.

Savannah Dietrich, the 17-year-old victim, was frustrated by a plea deal reached late last month by the two boys who assaulted her, and took to Twitter to expose them--violating a court order to keep their names confidential.

"There you go, lock me up," Dietrich tweeted after naming the perpetrators. "I'm not protecting anyone that made my life a living Hell." Her Twitter account (https://twitter.com/savy_theplan) has since been closed.

Attorneys for the attackers asked a Jefferson District Court judge to hold Dietrich in contempt for lashing out on Twitter. She could face up to 180 days in jail and a $500 fine if convicted. The boys have yet to be sentenced for the August 2011 attack.

"So many of my rights have been taken away by these boys," Dietrich told Louisville's Courier-Journal (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120720/NEWS01/307200106/Sexual-assault-victim-s-tweets-about-attackers-prompt-contempt-case-against-Louisville-s-Savannah-Dietrich). "I'm at the point, that if I have to go to jail for my rights, I will do it. If they really feel it's necessary to throw me in jail for talking about what happened to me as opposed to throwing these boys in jail for what they did to me, then I don't understand justice."

For rest ---> http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/savannah-dietrich-twitter-sexual-assault-louisville-174732753.html


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It's very obvious that she didn't want plea bargain for attackers and I do think she has every right to name those two who sexually abused her while she was passed out. Yes, she was at a party, the article didn't say whether she was drunk or not, but that doesn't matter, just because a girl is passed out at a party doesn't give guys green light to sexually abuse her and take pics for everyone to see what they were doing to her.

[BrAinPaiNt]

She admits she knows she is breaking the law and does not care so I have no problem with her or the charges against her.

[Denim Chicken]

She could have easily done this anonymously

[Ren]

She did the right thing, i really don't care what the law says in cases like this where the offenders are treated as victims and the victims treated like trash

[RoyTheHammer]

She did the right thing, i really don't care what the law says in cases like this where the offenders are treated as victims and the victims treated like trash

Bingo.. i love this girl. She has more brains and more guts than most of the adults in her town. Her life was ruined by two boys who raped her while she was passed out and the rapists get a plea deal and she's told by the judge to shut her mouth and not reveal their names?

Sad time we live in..

[Yeagermeister]

She'll probably get more jail time than the attackers. :(

[vta]

Good for her. Maybe it takes someone doing something like this to make it clear that the law protecting criminals are full of ****. Their age didn't prevent them from committing an adult sized crime, it shouldn't act as a shield conversely.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

What's wrong with what she said? She was RAPED by these two clowns and didn't get justice.

[Dallas]

She did a good thing. I would have encouraged anyone else in her shoes to do the same if the outcome was the deal these attackers received.

How do they get to remain anonymous through the crime? Why should laws protect sexual predators just because they are under 18?

How stupid!


Good on her. Now the public knows just who these predators are and can protect themselves. I got no problem w/ it.

[dexternjack]

What's wrong with what she said? She was RAPED by these two clowns and didn't get justice.
Nothing was wrong, but some are upset because the boys were underage. They deserve everything coming to them. I would have put them on the front page of the NY times

[ninja]

If she wasn't part of the plea agreement, why is she forced to obey by it? Sounds ridiculous, beyond idiotic. Her free speech rights are being violated and I hope she sues and gets lots of money.

Stupid laws!

[BrAinPaiNt]

If she wasn't part of the plea agreement, why is she forced to obey by it? Sounds ridiculous, beyond idiotic. Her free speech rights are being violated and I hope she sues and gets lots of money.

Stupid laws!

I could be wrong here but I don't think the plea deal has much to do with why she got in trouble. I think she got in trouble because of the attackers ages and the laws about giving out the names of juveniles.

I think some are trying to turn it into an argument about the plea agreement and her free speech when it does not have anything to do with the plea agreement other than she did not know about it and was mad about it and rightfully so to be mad about it.

I don't have a problem at all with her doing what she done because she knew the consequences of her actions and appears to be willing to accept that in order to give out the info she thinks she should give.

[RoyTheHammer]

I could be wrong here but I don't think the plea deal has much to do with why she got in trouble. I think she got in trouble because of the attackers ages and the laws about giving out the names of juveniles.

I think some are trying to turn it into an argument about the plea agreement and her free speech when it does not have anything to do with the plea agreement other than she did not know about it and was mad about it and rightfully so to be mad about it.

I don't have a problem at all with her doing what she done because she knew the consequences of her actions and appears to be willing to accept that in order to give out the info she thinks she should give.

The court order the judge gave her not to reveal the names is seperate from a plea agreement. Not that it matters, because both are supremely stupid. Telling a victim they can't talk about or reveal the names of those that raped them and offering a plea agreement for two people who raped someone who was passed out? Really America?

[NorthTexan95]

Bingo.. i love this girl. She has more brains and more guts than most of the adults in her town. Her life was ruined by two boys who raped her while she was passed out and the rapists get a plea deal and she's told by the judge to shut her mouth and not reveal their names?

Sad time we live in..

So how was her life ruined? She's still alive ... she still appears to have the ability to life a long, full life. There are many people who can't say the same.

I really don't mind her tweeting the info because she knows the penalty and is willing to pay it if needed. I can understand that that feeling. Hopefully, she quickly gets past this quickly. Her life is not "ruined". She needs to stop letting these rapists drive her to more bad decisions.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

So how was her life ruined? She's still alive ... she still appears to have the ability to life a long, full life. There are many people who can't say the same.

I really don't mind her tweeting the info because she knows the penalty and is willing to pay it if needed. I can understand that that feeling. Hopefully, she quickly gets past this quickly. Her life is not "ruined". She needs to stop letting these rapists drive her to more bad decisions.

Wow just wow are you serious with that question? She was RAPED, didn't get justice, and is most likely scared for life.

[RoyTheHammer]

So how was her life ruined? She's still alive ... she still appears to have the ability to life a long, full life. There are many people who can't say the same.

I really don't mind her tweeting the info because she knows the penalty and is willing to pay it if needed. I can understand that that feeling. Hopefully, she quickly gets past this quickly. Her life is not "ruined". She needs to stop letting these rapists drive her to more bad decisions.

I have no words for this post..unreal.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

I have no words for this post..unreal.

I can't believe he had the audicity to ask that question.

[The30YardSlant]

I have no problem with her tweeting the names and also have no problem with her being punished for it. She broke the law and has to face the consequences, but at the same time those boys deserve to be known as worthless pieces of crap for the rest of their lives.

[The30YardSlant]

So how was her life ruined?

Until you are the victim of rape or have a close personal relationship with someone who was you shouldnt speak on the matter. Rape is a crime that sticks with people moreso than any other and truly does follow them forever. Many have trouble sleeping for the rest of their lives and often develop serious phobias that take years of therapy and medication to overcome.

[Romo 2 Austin]

Anyone that has a problem with what she did is a clown.

[wittenacious]

Anyone that has a problem with what she did is a clown.
I agree with the sentiment, in general.

I'm one who has ZERO problem with what this young lady chose to do. I like and appreciate the commitment of her resolve... having done what she believed was necessary. She's the victim, not the rapist bastids who were given a plea deal, including given subsequent legal protection of anonymity. Bogus, IMO.

I applaud her for naming names in a straight forward manner... for NOT doing it anonymously. She challenged a system she thinks is wrong. She understands, disagrees with, and yet accepts the possible consequences of her actions.

Good for her... doing what she was obviously compelled to feel she had to do.

Higher sense of right vs wrong: Fight for what you believe is right, even if... especially if... it may cost you something. If not, the scum of the earth wins by default.

[Dodger]

A plea deal that protects the names of the rapists?

Unreal.

If I were her father, I'd have done the same thing. Good for her!

[visionary]

She did the right thing, i really don't care what the law says in cases like this where the offenders are treated as victims and the victims treated like trash

exactly
what she received was not justice
sometimes the justice system sucks

[CashMan]

A plea deal that protects the names of the rapists?

Unreal.

If I were her father, I'd have done the same thing. Good for her!


I think it was the fact, that they were minors. In police reports, minor's name's are blacked out.

[03EBZ06]

When minors commit an adult crime like rape, they shouldn't be protected.

[joseephuss]

A plea deal that protects the names of the rapists?

Unreal.

If I were her father, I'd have done the same thing. Good for her!

Is it common for a DA not to notify the victim that a plea deal has been reached and what the terms of that deal are prior to it being announced in court? It doesn't happen on Law & Order that way.

Even though obviously what they did is wrong I do somewhat understand(but do not agree with) the ruling. There would be no anonimity if they were being charged with rape, but they have pled to a lesser offense where anonimity can still apply. The worse part is that they are being offered a plea in the first place. They raped her and posted pics on the internet. Seems like they should pursue the rape charges the whole way through.

[burmafrd]

Good for her. Those that criticise her really are out to lunch.

SHE WAS RAPED.

The system as it often does seems much more worried about the guilty then the victims.

They did a adult crime and should be known for it.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

How old were these clowns? Were they younger than the victim?

[BrAinPaiNt]

How old were these clowns? Were they younger than the victim?

Under 18 if they are consider juveniles.

[jobberone]

She defied a court order but I highly doubt the judge will do anything to her. Depends on the judge. She won't get jail time though.

I have no problem with what she did.

Hopefully, she will pursue civil charges against them.

[WoodysGirl]

Until you are the victim of rape or have a close personal relationship with someone who was you shouldnt speak on the matter. Rape is a crime that sticks with people moreso than any other and truly does follow them forever. Many have trouble sleeping for the rest of their lives and often develop serious phobias that take years of therapy and medication to overcome.
:hammer:

[Dallas]

So how was her life ruined? She's still alive ... she still appears to have the ability to life a long, full life. There are many people who can't say the same.

I really don't mind her tweeting the info because she knows the penalty and is willing to pay it if needed. I can understand that that feeling. Hopefully, she quickly gets past this quickly. Her life is not "ruined". She needs to stop letting these rapists drive her to more bad decisions.

Talk about stepping in it. Tell me, do you seek out public condemnation on other boards across the web on a regular basis?


Wooooo doggie...

[Denim Chicken]

Article on why the Court baring her from releasing names is unconstitutional.

http://www.volokh.com/2012/07/22/the-dark-side-of-privacy/

[Hostile]

If someone creates a Facebook page for donations for her like that abused bus driver I will donate.

[RoyTheHammer]

Online Petition you can sign to ask the judge to remove all the charges against the girl.

http://www.change.org/petitions/no-charges-against-savannah-dietrich-for-naming-her-rapists?utm_campaign=petition_page&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=share_petition

[03EBZ06]

Online Petition you can sign to ask the judge to remove all the charges against the girl.

http://www.change.org/petitions/no-charges-against-savannah-dietrich-for-naming-her-rapists?utm_campaign=petition_page&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=share_petition
Signed, thanks for the link.

[RoyTheHammer]

Signed, thanks for the link.

Not a problem, man.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Online Petition you can sign to ask the judge to remove all the charges against the girl.

http://www.change.org/petitions/no-charges-against-savannah-dietrich-for-naming-her-rapists?utm_campaign=petition_page&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=share_petition

Signed it.

[WoodysGirl]

Breaking News ‏@BreakingNews (https://twitter.com/BreakingNews)
Contempt motion is withdrawn for teen girl who tweeted name of attackers - @courierjournal (https://twitter.com/courierjournal) http://cjky.it/QtG9WK (http://cjky.it/QtG9WK)

Contempt motion withdrawn for assault victim Savannah Dietrich

Defense attorneys for two teen-agers who pleaded guilty to assaulting 17-year-old Savannah Dietrich (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120720/NEWS01/307200106/Sexual-assault-victim-s-tweets-about-attackers-prompt-contempt-case-against-Louisville-s-Savannah-Dietrich) have withdrawn their motion that she be held in contempt for tweeting the names of her attackers in defiance of a court order.

David Mejia, an attorney for one of the teens, said given that the story has gone global because of a piece Saturday in The Courier-Journal, (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120720/NEWS01/307200106/Sexual-assault-victim-s-tweets-about-attackers-prompt-contempt-case-against-Louisville-s-Savannah-Dietrich) there was no reason to continue the contempt motion.

“What could contempt do now?” Mejia said in an interview, adding that the boys’ names have already been circulated far beyond the original tweet. “Seems like a rather useless exercise doesn’t it?”

Read more: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120723/NEWS01/307230081/Contempt-motion-withdrawn-assault-victim-Savannah-Dietrich

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Good.

[Dodger]

Even though obviously what they did is wrong I do somewhat understand(but do not agree with) the ruling. There would be no anonimity if they were being charged with rape, but they have pled to a lesser offense where anonimity can still apply. The worse part is that they are being offered a plea in the first place. They raped her and posted pics on the internet. Seems like they should pursue the rape charges the whole way through.However it happened, it's still wrong which is my only point.

[wittenacious]

Breaking News ‏@BreakingNews (https://twitter.com/BreakingNews)
Contempt motion is withdrawn for teen girl who tweeted name of attackers - @courierjournal (https://twitter.com/courierjournal) http://cjky.it/QtG9WK (http://cjky.it/QtG9WK)

Contempt motion withdrawn for assault victim Savannah Dietrich


Read more: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120723/NEWS01/307230081/Contempt-motion-withdrawn-assault-victim-Savannah-Dietrich
Thanks for posting this update, WG.

Love it! Right wins out... on THIS particular score, at least. Still very sorry she suffered going through the crime of rape committed against her, and for the scars she will have to struggle to bear throughout her life.

I wish her all the best, in her every effort to move forward.

[Hostile]

Breaking News ‏@BreakingNews (https://twitter.com/BreakingNews)
Contempt motion is withdrawn for teen girl who tweeted name of attackers - @courierjournal (https://twitter.com/courierjournal) http://cjky.it/QtG9WK (http://cjky.it/QtG9WK)

Contempt motion withdrawn for assault victim Savannah Dietrich

Defense attorneys for two teen-agers who pleaded guilty to assaulting 17-year-old Savannah Dietrich (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120720/NEWS01/307200106/Sexual-assault-victim-s-tweets-about-attackers-prompt-contempt-case-against-Louisville-s-Savannah-Dietrich) have withdrawn their motion that she be held in contempt for tweeting the names of her attackers in defiance of a court order.

David Mejia, an attorney for one of the teens, said given that the story has gone global because of a piece Saturday in The Courier-Journal, (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120720/NEWS01/307200106/Sexual-assault-victim-s-tweets-about-attackers-prompt-contempt-case-against-Louisville-s-Savannah-Dietrich) there was no reason to continue the contempt motion.

“What could contempt do now?” Mejia said in an interview, adding that the boys’ names have already been circulated far beyond the original tweet. “Seems like a rather useless exercise doesn’t it?”

Read more: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120723/NEWS01/307230081/Contempt-motion-withdrawn-assault-victim-Savannah-DietrichOut-freaking-standing!

[trickblue]

No one will never know what happened for sure... it sounds like she was definitely violated and in that respect she has some anger... and she should...

The bigger picture is that our courts have TOO much power over our free speech rights...

Public courts seal public records all of the time... that isn't right...

These are perps tried in the PUBLIC court of law and then the public has no details...

Our justice system is lacking in regards to the Constitution...

[Risen Star]

She admits she knows she is breaking the law and does not care so I have no problem with her or the charges against her.

I had the same reaction.

[davidyee]

So how was her life ruined? She's still alive ... she still appears to have the ability to life a long, full life. There are many people who can't say the same.

I really don't mind her tweeting the info because she knows the penalty and is willing to pay it if needed. I can understand that that feeling. Hopefully, she quickly gets past this quickly. Her life is not "ruined". She needs to stop letting these rapists drive her to more bad decisions.

...you didn't mean this.

[NorthTexan95]

...you didn't mean this.

I don't quite understand the uproar to my original post. I think y'all might be misunderstanding my point.

The girl outted the two kids because she feels her life is ruined. Is her life ruined? Of course not. She can still go on to accomplish all her dreams ... school, career, and a family.

My originally post was a reply to RoyTheHammer who posted "Her life was ruined". Hopefully her family and friends provide her with better advice.

When I posted "Hopefully, she quickly gets past this quickly" maybe the real misunderstood statement I made. I never meant she needs to "get over it". I just meant she needs to get past thinking her life his ruined, the sooner the better. Continuing to think that could only lead to a downward cycle.

[RoyTheHammer]

I don't quite understand the uproar to my original post. I think y'all might be misunderstanding my point.

The girl outted the two kids because she feels her life is ruined. Is her life ruined? Of course not. She can still go on to accomplish all her dreams ... school, career, and a family.

My originally post was a reply to RoyTheHammer who posted "Her life was ruined". Hopefully her family and friends provide her with better advice.

When I posted "Hopefully, she quickly gets past this quickly" maybe the real misunderstood statement I made. I never meant she needs to "get over it". I just meant she needs to get past thinking her life his ruined, the sooner the better. Continuing to think that could only lead to a downward cycle.

I think this clears up your original post on the matter a bit, but i still feel you don't quite understand just how something like BEING RAPED can fully effect a person for the rest of their lives. Im not saying she can't go on to do whatever she'd like.. im saying being raped as a child makes it harder for anyone to lead a normal life and not be messed up in the head.

[wittenacious]

I don't quite understand the uproar to my original post. I think y'all might be misunderstanding my point.

The girl outted the two kids because she feels her life is ruined. Is her life ruined? Of course not. She can still go on to accomplish all her dreams ... school, career, and a family.

My originally post was a reply to RoyTheHammer who posted "Her life was ruined". Hopefully her family and friends provide her with better advice.

When I posted "Hopefully, she quickly gets past this quickly" maybe the real misunderstood statement I made. I never meant she needs to "get over it". I just meant she needs to get past thinking her life his ruined, the sooner the better. Continuing to think that could only lead to a downward cycle.
Still not getting it, but trying at least... I think. Your first post came across as totally insensitive, IMO.

All of what you wrote — now in both posts — is monumentally easier said than done, no matter how well intentioned your comments were meant to be.

Her life has been forever negatively affected/altered, at the very least... so also ruined to a very great degree, certainly. The downward cycle you want her to avoid is not something so easily overcome or dealt with. She suffered the physically repulsive act of rape which will cause dark thinking and scarred emotional feelings, and are the combined fight she has to face for a very, very long time to come... if not for the remainder of her life.

I'd agree with what RTH said, here... still wishing her the very best possible recovery as she battles to overcome the often debilitating effects of the horrific crime committed against her.

[Muhast]

If they can assault her and take pictures of it and pass those around to others, why can't she let others know what scum they are?

I think their names should be out for the world to see, they are sexual predators after all.

[Cythim]

So was this actually a rape trial or are we just running with the sensationalized story? I have seen nothing that suggests the assault was a rape and the outcome of the trial leads me to believe the act being committed was less than rape. Sexual assault can be as simple as groping but it seems everyone wants to label it rape without knowing the facts.

I know one fact, NorthTexan95 is right in that it will only ruin her life if she allows it to do so. It isn't up to us to decide that her life has been ruined and it isn't up to her attackers. If we repeatedly say her life is ruined then she will believe it and lead a ruined life. She probably won't read these forums, thus what we say is meaningless, but kids are what you tell them they are and perpetuating the idea that he life is ruined will only help to make it true.

[burmafrd]

So was this actually a rape trial or are we just running with the sensationalized story? I have seen nothing that suggests the assault was a rape and the outcome of the trial leads me to believe the act being committed was less than rape. Sexual assault can be as simple as groping but it seems everyone wants to label it rape without knowing the facts.

I know one fact, NorthTexan95 is right in that it will only ruin her life if she allows it to do so. It isn't up to us to decide that her life has been ruined and it isn't up to her attackers. If we repeatedly say her life is ruined then she will believe it and lead a ruined life. She probably won't read these forums, thus what we say is meaningless, but kids are what you tell them they are and perpetuating the idea that he life is ruined will only help to make it true.

She was passed out and they had raped her. How hard is that for you to understand?
They took pictures and put them out on the internet boasting about it.

Yeah its so easy to say get over it and her life is not ruined unless she allows it. Those pictures are out there forever.

Real easy to say isn't it?

[vta]

So was this actually a rape trial or are we just running with the sensationalized story? I have seen nothing that suggests the assault was a rape and the outcome of the trial leads me to believe the act being committed was less than rape. Sexual assault can be as simple as groping but it seems everyone wants to label it rape without knowing the facts.

I know one fact, NorthTexan95 is right in that it will only ruin her life if she allows it to do so. It isn't up to us to decide that her life has been ruined and it isn't up to her attackers. If we repeatedly say her life is ruined then she will believe it and lead a ruined life. She probably won't read these forums, thus what we say is meaningless, but kids are what you tell them they are and perpetuating the idea that he life is ruined will only help to make it true.

The definitions vary by state, but 1st degree sexual assault isn't groping.
She identifies them as rapists herself and I'm willing to bet she knows the difference. Her life might not be 'ruined', God willing, but she has every right to want better than seeing them protected because of their age. Their age didn't prohibit them from the act and it shouldn't serve as a shield.

Being named is the least of what they deserve.

[BigDinAZ]

So how was her life ruined? She's still alive ... she still appears to have the ability to life a long, full life. There are many people who can't say the same.

I really don't mind her tweeting the info because she knows the penalty and is willing to pay it if needed. I can understand that that feeling. Hopefully, she quickly gets past this quickly. Her life is not "ruined". She needs to stop letting these rapists drive her to more bad decisions.

I don't quite understand the uproar to my original post. I think y'all might be misunderstanding my point.

The girl outted the two kids because she feels her life is ruined. Is her life ruined? Of course not. She can still go on to accomplish all her dreams ... school, career, and a family.

My originally post was a reply to RoyTheHammer who posted "Her life was ruined". Hopefully her family and friends provide her with better advice.

When I posted "Hopefully, she quickly gets past this quickly" maybe the real misunderstood statement I made. I never meant she needs to "get over it". I just meant she needs to get past thinking her life his ruined, the sooner the better. Continuing to think that could only lead to a downward cycle.

:facepalm:

You're an idiot.....

[Cythim]

She was passed out and they had raped her. How hard is that for you to understand?
They took pictures and put them out on the internet boasting about it.

Yeah its so easy to say get over it and her life is not ruined unless she allows it. Those pictures are out there forever.

Real easy to say isn't it?

Thank you for using no common sense or reading comprehension when responding to me. Where does it say she was raped? I haven't seen anything and all of the official information is sealed. I also never said to get over it, I said she will decide if her life is ruined and telling her that it is won't help her.

[RoyTheHammer]

So was this actually a rape trial or are we just running with the sensationalized story? I have seen nothing that suggests the assault was a rape and the outcome of the trial leads me to believe the act being committed was less than rape. Sexual assault can be as simple as groping but it seems everyone wants to label it rape without knowing the facts.

I know one fact, NorthTexan95 is right in that it will only ruin her life if she allows it to do so. It isn't up to us to decide that her life has been ruined and it isn't up to her attackers. If we repeatedly say her life is ruined then she will believe it and lead a ruined life. She probably won't read these forums, thus what we say is meaningless, but kids are what you tell them they are and perpetuating the idea that he life is ruined will only help to make it true.

:facepalm:

I give up on this society..

[Yeagermeister]

Thank you for using no common sense or reading comprehension when responding to me. Where does it say she was raped? I haven't seen anything and all of the official information is sealed. I also never said to get over it, I said she will decide if her life is ruined and telling her that it is won't help her.

What would you call sexual intercourse without consent? Sounds like rape to me

[Cythim]

The definitions vary by state, but 1st degree sexual assault isn't groping.
She identifies them as rapists herself and I'm willing to bet she knows the difference. Her life might not be 'ruined', God willing, but she has every right to want better than seeing them protected because of their age. Their age didn't prohibit them from the act and it shouldn't serve as a shield.

Being named is the least of what they deserve.

Remember the story about the Alabama man putting his genitals on the passed out LSU fan? Something as simple as that is sexual assault. At first everyone laughs and thinks it is funny but the victim doesn't think so and presses charges. Being called a rapist does not make it true, but I feel that we will not know the story for a couple of years and by then no one will care.

I have no problem with her reaction, I believe she has every right to identify her attackers and push for a harder penalty. I have a problem with the general population on the internet sensationalizing to story and turning it into more than it was. I would like to know what happened without the hyperbole and sensationalism that has spread across the internet but all I can find is news and comments from the victim's twitter episode.

I have a hard time believing rape with photo evidence is going to end with a plea deal in a juvenile court. This is why I asked. If it was rape and that is how it ended them something is seriously wrong with the court that heard this case. I am not trying to support the two boys or call out the girl, I just want to know what the facts are so I can make an informed opinion instead of flying off at the handle about things I know nothing about.

[Cythim]

What would you call sexual intercourse without consent? Sounds like rape to me

Where does it say intercourse happened? I haven't read that part.

[Cythim]

:facepalm:

I give up on this society..

That is good, society gave up on you a long time ago :lmao:

[03EBZ06]

Where does it say she was raped? I haven't seen anything and all of the official information is sealed.

Teenage Rape Victim Tweets Names of Her Attackers

http://www.newser.com/story/150669/teenage-rape-victim-tweets-names-of-her-attackers.html

Savannah Dietrich, Rape Survivor, Faces Jail for Naming Attackers


http://www.nowpublic.com/world/savannah-dietrich-rape-survivor-faces-jail-naming-attackers-2960519.html

Can Twitter Help Rape Victims Find Justice?

http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2012/07/23/savannah_dietrich_outs_her_rapists_on_twitter_and_ facebook.html

Savannah Dietrich faces jail time for naming boys who raped her (UPDATE) (http://theoriginalgreenwichdiva.com/savannah-dietrich-faces-jail-time-for-naming-boys-who-raped-her/35993/)


http://theoriginalgreenwichdiva.com/savannah-dietrich-faces-jail-time-for-naming-boys-who-raped-her/35993/

[RoyTheHammer]

That is good, society gave up on you a long time ago :lmao:

Did they? Or do you, again, have no idea what you're talking about?

Would it make it more acceptable to you if we all said the boys only sexually assulted her without consent?

Think it makes a big difference to her?

Unreal how stupid some of you are..

[Cythim]

Teenage Rape Victim Tweets Names of Her Attackers

http://www.newser.com/story/150669/teenage-rape-victim-tweets-names-of-her-attackers.html

Savannah Dietrich, Rape Survivor, Faces Jail for Naming Attackers


http://www.nowpublic.com/world/savannah-dietrich-rape-survivor-faces-jail-naming-attackers-2960519.html

Can Twitter Help Rape Victims Find Justice?

http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2012/07/23/savannah_dietrich_outs_her_rapists_on_twitter_and_ facebook.html

Savannah Dietrich faces jail time for naming boys who raped her (UPDATE) (http://theoriginalgreenwichdiva.com/savannah-dietrich-faces-jail-time-for-naming-boys-who-raped-her/35993/)


http://theoriginalgreenwichdiva.com/savannah-dietrich-faces-jail-time-for-naming-boys-who-raped-her/35993/

Sensationalism at it's worst. Not a single one is a credible source or provides information to support the rape claim.

[03EBZ06]

Sensationalism at it's worst. Not a single one is a credible source or provides information to support the rape claim.
But those are more than what you have, which is nothing.

I don't care how those two boys sexually assaulted her, the fact is, they violated her while she passed out.

[Cythim]

Did they? Or do you, again, have no idea what you're talking about?

Would it make it more acceptable to you if we all said the boys only sexually assulted her without consent?

Think it makes a big difference to her?

Unreal how stupid some of you are..

How severe the sexual assault was will determine how hard the punishment is. I want to know how bad it was so I can agree or disagree with her that the punishment was enough. If it was rape I would probably agree, I don't think juvenile court and a plea deal is appropriate for a rape charge. I do not know that it was rape and I am asking for anything that I might not have seen that supports the rape charge.

[Cythim]

But those are more than what you have, which is nothing.

I don't care how those two boys sexually assaulted her, the fact is, they violated her while she passed out.

I have the fact that not a single piece of evidence points toward a rape charge. I am not saying it wasn't rape, I am asking if it was.

[wittenacious]

What would you call sexual intercourse without consent? Sounds like rape to me
Yep... to me, too.

Some of the quotes from the article in the OP, to remind us all this won't be so easy for her to get over..."I'm not protecting anyone that made my life a living Hell."

"So many of my rights have been taken away by these boys," Dietrich told Louisville's Courier-Journal (http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0PD2IcFrQ5QU1sABwGZCMZ_;_ylu=X3oDMTFkNWJ1MDB uBG1pdANCbG9nIEJvZHkEcG9zAzMEc2VjA01lZGlhQmxvZ0JvZ HlBc3NlbWJseQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTMzZWloOWxhBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRw c3RhaWQDNzk4NTE1NWQtMjZjNi0zM2NiLWJjNDYtNzgyMTk4OT NhMGE1BHBzdGNhdANibG9nc3x0aGVsb29rb3V0BHB0A3N0b3J5 cGFnZQ--;_ylv=0/SIG=15v5a0hh0/EXP=1344348677/**http%3A//www.courier-journal.com/article/20120720/NEWS01/307200106/Sexual-assault-victim-s-tweets-about-attackers-prompt-contempt-case-against-Louisville-s-Savannah-Dietrich).

"For months, I cried myself to sleep," Dietrich said. "I couldn't go out in public places."

"[Protecting rapists] is more important than getting justice for the victim in Louisville," she added.

Suggests both surface-level and deep-seated anger and pain that can't be overcome by just willing it to be okay, IMO. I don't see her life as "throw away ruined." But "forever detrimentally affected/altered ruined" ... I do.

She can only hope to try to make the best of a horrible situation. The fact that the horrible situation happened won't ever go away. Something of extreme importance was forever taken from her, and that is ruination in and of itself.

[03EBZ06]

I have the fact that not a single piece of evidence points toward a rape charge. I am not saying it wasn't rape, I am asking if it was.

Terry O'Neill, president of the National Organization for Women, said the motion to withdraw the contempt of court charge was "a huge victory not only for Ms. Dietrich, but for women all over the country."


Deitrich told The Courier-Journal that after the sexual assault, the boys posted photos of the attack on the Internet.


"These boys shared the picture of her being raped with their friends and she can't share their names with her Twitter community? That's just crazy," O'Neill said.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/23/savannah-dietrich-contempt-charege_n_1696303.html

[Cythim]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/23/savannah-dietrich-contempt-charege_n_1696303.html

Still nothing. These are just claims without support.

[03EBZ06]

Still nothing. These are just claims without support.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink ...

[RoyTheHammer]

How severe the sexual assault was will determine how hard the punishment is. I want to know how bad it was so I can agree or disagree with her that the punishment was enough. If it was rape I would probably agree, I don't think juvenile court and a plea deal is appropriate for a rape charge. I do not know that it was rape and I am asking for anything that I might not have seen that supports the rape charge.

If you're looking at it from a point of view as to "what actually happened so i can assess if the punishment was enough for the boys who did this" then i, and a bunch of other people, wouldn't have looked at your initial post as completely insensitive.

The problem is now, you are taking a different tone from that first post you made, where you were acting like the fact that it may not have been rape but ONLY sexual assault would make some big difference as to how it affected the girl. Either way its not something that can be easily thrown aside and moved on from. Its something that really messes alot of people up inside and a disgusting, sickening thing to have to live with for the rest of her life.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Sometimes it is better to keep that voice in your head from speaking out through your mouth, or in this case through your fingers and onto a forum.

In other words some things are better left unsaid and sometimes it is better off to drop an argument that in no way looks good on your end even if your point is not as bad as others perceive it.

Just friendly advice...not a requirement to take it. :cool:

[Cythim]

If you're looking at it from a point of view as to "what actually happened so i can assess if the punishment was enough for the boys who did this" then i, and a bunch of other people, wouldn't have looked at your initial post as completely insensitive.

The problem is now, you are taking a different tone from that first post you made, where you were acting like the fact that it may not have been rape but ONLY sexual assault would make some big difference as to how it affected the girl. Either way its not something that can be easily thrown aside and moved on from. Its something that really messes alot of people up inside and a disgusting, sickening thing to have to live with for the rest of her life.

My apologies, I should have broken my two thoughts up by doing more than separating them into paragraphs. I know this won't be easy for her to overcome, and seeing a sentence that you think is too light won't help her any. The fact that she has been outspoken about it leads be to believe she will make it through and will not be ruined by it. Forever change, certainly, but not ruined.

[Cythim]

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink ...




The evidence that points to rape is not out there, I have looked for it. Everything is sealed and won't be coming out in the near future. I am merely interested in knowing if she is right that they got off light. If this was rape then they certainly did but if it was something less then it could be reasonable. Sexual Assault covers a wide range with rape being the most extreme. I haven't ruled out rape but I am not going to assume that is what happened because a few people on the internet said so.

[RoyTheHammer]

Still nothing. These are just claims without support.

I take my last post back..

What do you want Cythim? You want to see pictures of her being raped? You want to see video? Should we call the boys and ask them if they can come reenact what they did to her to your daughter?

You arn't concerned with the "law" part of it.. you simply think people are making too big a deal over how harshly this traumatic event will damage her for the rest of her life.. and you are making yourself look profoundly foolish in doing so.

[Cythim]

Sometimes it is better to keep that voice in your head from speaking out through your mouth, or in this case through your fingers and onto a forum.

In other words some things are better left unsaid and sometimes it is better off to drop an argument that in no way looks good on your end even if your point is not as bad as others perceive it.

Just friendly advice...not a requirement to take it. :cool:

Sometimes groupthink needs to be combated with a nice heap of ******baggedness.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Sometimes groupthink needs to be combated with a nice heap of baggedness.

Sometimes...not this time.:cool:

[Cythim]

I take my last post back..

What do you want Cythim? You want to see pictures of her being raped? You want to see video? Should we call the boys and ask them if they can come reenact what they did to her to your daughter?

You arn't concerned with the "law" part of it.. you simply think people are making too big a deal over how harshly this traumatic event will damage her for the rest of her life.. and you are making yourself look profoundly foolish in doing so.

I want to know the severity of the crime is all, and mentioning my daughter like that is completely uncalled for. The victim claimed justice was not served and I want to be able to agree or disagree with that opinion. As part of the plea there must be some kind of signed confession... that's the way they do it on Law and Order. This has nothing to do with the the victim's recovery and everything to do with knowing if justice was served.

[RoyTheHammer]

I want to know the severity of the crime is all, and mentioning my daughter like that is completely uncalled for. The victim claimed justice was not served and I want to be able to agree or disagree with that opinion. As part of the plea there must be some kind of signed confession... that's the way they do it on Law and Order. This has nothing to do with the the victim's recovery and everything to do with knowing if justice was served.


You continue to act as if people are overreacting to how this will effect the girl for the rest of her life. You continue to use the word rape as only a law term, and not acknowledge the true meaning of the word in this case. Maybe it doesn't satisfy all the legal definitions to be proven in court, but this girl was raped, Cythim, in more way than one. If this had happened to one of your children, i think you'd react from an entirely different perspective than the faux Johnny Law routine you're giving us now.

"Hmm.. was the case satisfied and was justice served here, hmmmm..."

You know what? No.. a plea deal for anyone who sexually assaults someone while they are passed out, and then piles on by posting the pictures online for the entire community to see, is NEVER enough Cythim.

..and then the lawyer for the boys has the nerve to say something like this:

Chris Klein, an attorney for one of the boys, said publicizing their names may create problems for them in the future.

Oh, really? Might they have a few problems in the future? Good grief..

[joseephuss]

I want to know the severity of the crime is all, and mentioning my daughter like that is completely uncalled for. The victim claimed justice was not served and I want to be able to agree or disagree with that opinion. As part of the plea there must be some kind of signed confession... that's the way they do it on Law and Order. This has nothing to do with the the victim's recovery and everything to do with knowing if justice was served.

Take rape out of the equation. They posted pictures of themselves with her passed out on the internet, which is a public forum. They now won't have their names released in the public as part of this plea deal. That is not justice even if there was no rape.

[SkinsandTerps]

Taken aback by some of these responses.

Kudos to the young lady for having the gumption to put this trash on blast.
Kudos to the courts for righting their wrong in this instance.

Some of you...really ? Shameful it seems.

[RoyTheHammer]

Taken aback by some of these responses.

Kudos to the young lady for having the gumption to put this trash on blast.
Kudos to the courts for righting their wrong in this instance.

Some of you...really ? Shameful it seems.

Not sure the courts righted all the wrong done here.. but kudos to the girl for sure.

[NorthTexan95]

The fact that she has been outspoken about it leads be to believe she will make it through and will not be ruined by it. Forever change, certainly, but not ruined.

I'm right with you Cythim. I have read and heard too many testimonies of people who've been through similar or worse situations who have overcome and lived happy, productive, and fulfiling lives.

This is a strange thread. You and I are being called out for, I guess, being insensitive towards the girl by seemingly everyone else. Which is strange since you and I are the ones saying this girl has hope and a future while everyone else is saying she is "ruined" with little to no hope.

Tell me again who is being insensitive?

[RoyTheHammer]

I'm right with you Cythim. I have read and heard too many testimonies of people who've been through similar or worse situations who have overcome and lived happy, productive, and fulfiling lives.

This is a strange thread. You and I are being called out for, I guess, being insensitive towards the girl by seemingly everyone else. Which is strange since you and I are the ones saying this girl has hope and a future while everyone else is saying she is "ruined" with little to no hope.

Tell me again who is being insensitive?

Where did anyone else say she had no hope for a bright future in this thread? If you could point out those posts to me, i would appriciate it. Thanks.

[wittenacious]

I'm right with you Cythim. I have read and heard too many testimonies of people who've been through similar or worse situations who have overcome and lived happy, productive, and fulfiling lives.

This is a strange thread. You and I are being called out for, I guess, being insensitive towards the girl by seemingly everyone else. Which is strange since you and I are the ones saying this girl has hope and a future while everyone else is saying she is "ruined" with little to no hope.

Tell me again who is being insensitive?[/URL][URL="http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b404/Alethea617/PS.jpg"]http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b404/Alethea617/PS.jpg (http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b404/Alethea617/PS.jpg)

[Muhast]

Update:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48292780/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/#.UA7SR6DAETA

"A Kentucky teenager frustrated by light punishment for two boys who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting her was spared Monday from having to face a contempt charge for naming them on Twitter in violation of a court order. The case of Savannah Dietrich, 17, quickly gathered supporters nationwide who were upset that the victim of an assault could be punished for speaking out against her attackers.
The girl turned to Twitter after she said she was frustrated with what she felt was a lenient plea deal. The judge had ordered no one to speak about the case, which was in juvenile court.
On Monday, attorneys for the boys dropped their motion to charge her with contempt. David Mejia, an attorney for one of the boys, said the decision to withdraw the motion had nothing to do with public sentiment and online attention to the case."

[NorthTexan95]

Where did anyone else say she had no hope for a bright future in this thread? If you could point out those posts to me, i would appriciate it. Thanks.


Here you go ...


RoyTheHammer - Her life was ruined

Cowboys&LakersFan (http://cowboyszone.com/forums/member.php?u=30224)- most likely scared for life

wittenacious (http://cowboyszone.com/forums/member.php?u=34507)- scars she will have to struggle to bear throughout her life.

wittenacious (http://cowboyszone.com/forums/member.php?u=34507)- Her life has been forever negatively affected/altered, at the very least...so also ruined to a very great degree, certainly

wittenacious (http://cowboyszone.com/forums/member.php?u=34507)- The fact that the horrible situation happened won't ever go away. Somethingof extreme importance was forever taken from her, and that is ruination in andof itself.

[NorthTexan95]

Forgive the formatting above. Cutting and pasting didn't workout so well.

Could this event be so horrible that she's messed up for the rest of her life? Maybe. Could she instead turn this into something positive such as dedicating her life to helping others who have been through such a situation? Maybe. Most likely she'll fall somewhere in between those two extremes.

We don't know the girl and we don't know the support structure around the girl. But many in this thread want to emphasize how messed up her life is going to be when it might not.

[RoyTheHammer]

Forgive the formatting above. Cutting and pasting didn't workout so well.

Could this event be so horrible that she's messed up for the rest of her life? Maybe. Could she instead turn this into something positive such as dedicating her life to helping others who have been through such a situation? Maybe. Most likely she'll fall somewhere in between those two extremes.

We don't know the girl and we don't know the support structure around the girl. But many in this thread want to emphasize how messed up her life is going to be when it might not.

I don't think anyone was saying in this thread that she's messed up for life. She is scarred for life by this traumatic event that happened to her though and its something she will have to carry with her and struggle with over her remaining years.

Can she overcome it and go on to lead a happy, healthy life? Of course there is that chance for her.. but the chance of her having serious mental and emotional problems for the rest of her life is greatly increased when something this traumatic happens to you as a child.

My issue with you is how you are either not understanding that or severly trying to minimize the damage that these boys caused to this child.

[NorthTexan95]

I don't think anyone was saying in this thread that she's messed up for life. She is scarred for life by this traumatic event that happened to her though and its something she will have to carry with her and struggle with over her remaining years.

Can she overcome it and go on to lead a happy, healthy life? Of course there is that chance for her.. but the chance of her having serious mental and emotional problems for the rest of her life is greatly increased when something this traumatic happens to you as a child.

My issue with you is how you are either not understanding that or severly trying to minimize the damage that these boys caused to this child.

I don't believe I am doing either of those. My original post was about your "ruined for life" comment which I greatly disagree with. I never said it would be easy or quick ... I just said it could be done. But if she's waking up every day thinking "my life is ruined" or if those around her are saying "your life is ruined" then it makes recovery that much harder.

[BrAinPaiNt]

I'm right with you Cythim. I have read and heard too many testimonies of people who've been through similar or worse situations who have overcome and lived happy, productive, and fulfiling lives.

This is a strange thread. You and I are being called out for, I guess, being insensitive towards the girl by seemingly everyone else. Which is strange since you and I are the ones saying this girl has hope and a future while everyone else is saying she is "ruined" with little to no hope.

Tell me again who is being insensitive?

For the record...Although your timing and wording of it made it reasonable that people would not understand what you meant...I understood it and did not really have a problem with it.

Now with Cythim is not a bad guy at all and I understand the general point he is trying to make but he seems to now be arguing for the sake of arguing and really doing a bad job at it to the point he is just better off dropping it.

Hope that makes sense. :cool:

[RoyTheHammer]

I don't believe I am doing either of those. My original post was about your "ruined for life" comment which I greatly disagree with. I never said it would be easy or quick ... I just said it could be done. But if she's waking up every day thinking "my life is ruined" or if those around her are saying "your life is ruined" then it makes recovery that much harder.

I don't think you understood what i meant by the comment, and im sure i could have made it clearer, but her innocence is now ruined. It was taken from her, raped away from her. Can she still lead a happy, healthy life eventually? Yes, but the chances of such have been greatly reduced by boys who took away her ability to decide how the events of this child's life unfold, in a disgusting and traumatizing way.

..and again, no one close to her is going to be telling her that her life is ruined, so im confused as to why you keep bringing that up as if it relates to people discussing her case on a message board or through some other medium that isn't going to be seen or heard by any of the people being discussed.

[burmafrd]

I wonder if Northtexan and Cythim are the same? Sure sound like it

Yeah just shrug off rape its no big deal.

OR

That was not rape.

[BrAinPaiNt]

I wonder if Northtexan and Cythim are the same? Sure sound like it

Yeah just shrug off rape its no big deal.

OR

That was not rape.

I think they are also RoytheHammer as well....that should really blow your mind and amp up aluminum foil stock. ;) :p:

[NorthTexan95]

I wonder if Northtexan and Cythim are the same? Sure sound like it

Yeah just shrug off rape its no big deal.

OR

That was not rape.


No, we're not the same. No one on either side of the argument is blowing off the rape ... or sexual assault ... or however it is defined.

[wittenacious]

I don't think you understood what i meant by the comment, and im sure i could have made it clearer, but her innocence is now ruined. It was taken from her, raped away from her. Can she still lead a happy, healthy life eventually? Yes, but the chances of such have been greatly reduced by boys who took away her ability to decide how the events of this child's life unfold, in a disgusting and traumatizing way.

..and again, no one close to her is going to be telling her that her life is ruined, so im confused as to why you keep bringing that up as if it relates to people discussing her case on a message board or through some other medium that isn't going to be seen or heard by any of the people being discussed.
To put a finer point on it... I was married to a young woman, who I found out — after marriage — had been abused as a child and then later as a young lady... about the age of the young girl this thread is about.

Sexually abused by a step-father as a 5-6 year old, then later abused by lowlife's who thought she'd witnessed a drug deal at school and were afraid she'd rat them out if the cops ever interviewed her as a possible witness.

The latter incident: she was falsely lured to a close acquaintance's house after school (a friend of hers was put up to it by the scumbag dope dealer and, under fear of retaliation, did as told) and she was abused... sexually, fingers broken, cigarette burns, etc. The cops botched the gathering of evidence and county/city jurisdiction lines were improperly adhered to... some such... as I was given to understand.

The guilty parties got off on technicalities. She was so traumatized by what had happened, she lost her memory of specific events. I know that to be true. She could never recount them to me, years later. I'd sit with her in movies where if a woman was hit, beaten, or even shouted at, she would cringe and grab my hand in the dark, squeezing it for dear life as she tried to curl up and hide in her seat. Scarred for life? Yeah, I'd say so.

I inherited her "ruined" life. She appeared happy-go-lucky on the outside. Made friends easily. Always seemed to have a bright spirit and outlook. In truth... dark and brooding inside, as I found out over the next 10 years. I tried to maker her as happy as I could. Protect her. Love her. She suffered from hating herself, I was told by people who understood the often messed up psyche of abused children.

She acted out in self destructive ways... by having affairs, lying, drinking in private without me knowing, etc. Won't go into all the gory details, but it was a mess... a life truly stolen from her as a child and again as a high-schooler.

So I take it personally when some refuse to allow for the reality of the potential depth of hurt and pain caused by such a traumatic event as sexual abuse by non-consent... rape. Not all rape victims are doomed to the same fate as my ex-wife, but all are scarred due to some part of themselves truly being ruined for life... whether they acknowledge it or not.

I tried reasoning w/o bringing personal stuff up. Now I'm just pissed by the willing "happy happy, good thoughts overcome all" blindness, and then follow-up unwillingness to acknowledge other points of view, by some.

Now I've gotta back away from this thread. I let it get to me and I'm liable to say something that gets me an infraction... possibly banned... if I keep reading more willing ignorance on parade.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

I don't know how anyone can say with a straight face that when someone gets raped it doesn't ruin their life. Yeah they may still be alive, but life is never the same for them again.

[RoyTheHammer]

To put a finer point on it... I was married to a young woman, who I found out — after marriage — had been abused as a child and then later as a young lady... about the age of the young girl this thread is about.

Sexually abused by a step-father as a 5-6 year old, then later abused by lowlife's who thought she'd witnessed a drug deal at school and were afraid she'd rat them out if the cops ever interviewed her as a possible witness.

The latter incident: she was falsely lured to a close acquaintance's house after school (a friend of hers was put up to it by the scumbag dope dealer and, under fear of retaliation, did as told) and she was abused... sexually, fingers broken, cigarette burns, etc. The cops botched the gathering of evidence and county/city jurisdiction lines were improperly adhered to... some such... as I was given to understand.

The guilty parties got off on technicalities. She was so traumatized by what had happened, she lost her memory of specific events. I know that to be true. She could never recount them to me, years later. I'd sit with her in movies where if a woman was hit, beaten, or even shouted at, she would cringe and grab my hand in the dark, squeezing it for dear life as she tried to curl up and hide in her seat. Scarred for life? Yeah, I'd say so.

I inherited her "ruined" life. She appeared happy-go-lucky on the outside. Made friends easily. Always seemed to have a bright spirit and outlook. In truth... dark and brooding inside, as I found out over the next 10 years. I tried to maker her as happy as I could. Protect her. Love her. She suffered from hating herself, I was told by people who understood the often messed up psyche of abused children.

She acted out in self destructive ways... by having affairs, lying, drinking in private without me knowing, etc. Won't go into all the gory details, but it was a mess... a life truly stolen from her as a child and again as a high-schooler.

So I take it personally when some refuse to allow for the reality of the potential depth of hurt and pain caused by such a traumatic event as sexual abuse by non-consent... rape. Not all rape victims are doomed to the same fate as my ex-wife, but all are scarred due to some part of themselves truly being ruined for life... whether they acknowledge it or not.

I tried reasoning w/o bringing personal stuff up. Now I'm just pissed by the willing "happy happy, good thoughts overcome all" blindness, and then follow-up unwillingness to acknowledge other points of view, by some.

Now I've gotta back away from this thread. I let it get to me and I'm liable to say something that gets me an infraction... possibly banned... if I keep reading more willing ignorance on parade.

Im very sorry it had to come down to this witten and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your ex wife and both of your families. Hopefully by relating this, it will at least do some good in changing the way people who read it may feel about just how serious "sexual assault" (or whatever legal term you want to define this particular case as) really is.

[03EBZ06]

To put a finer point on it... I was married to a young woman, who I found out — after marriage — had been abused as a child and then later as a young lady... about the age of the young girl this thread is about.

Sexually abused by a step-father as a 5-6 year old, then later abused by lowlife's who thought she'd witnessed a drug deal at school and were afraid she'd rat them out if the cops ever interviewed her as a possible witness.

The latter incident: she was falsely lured to a close acquaintance's house after school (a friend of hers was put up to it by the scumbag dope dealer and, under fear of retaliation, did as told) and she was abused... sexually, fingers broken, cigarette burns, etc. The cops botched the gathering of evidence and county/city jurisdiction lines were improperly adhered to... some such... as I was given to understand.

The guilty parties got off on technicalities. She was so traumatized by what had happened, she lost her memory of specific events. I know that to be true. She could never recount them to me, years later. I'd sit with her in movies where if a woman was hit, beaten, or even shouted at, she would cringe and grab my hand in the dark, squeezing it for dear life as she tried to curl up and hide in her seat. Scarred for life? Yeah, I'd say so.

I inherited her "ruined" life. She appeared happy-go-lucky on the outside. Made friends easily. Always seemed to have a bright spirit and outlook. In truth... dark and brooding inside, as I found out over the next 10 years. I tried to maker her as happy as I could. Protect her. Love her. She suffered from hating herself, I was told by people who understood the often messed up psyche of abused children.

She acted out in self destructive ways... by having affairs, lying, drinking in private without me knowing, etc. Won't go into all the gory details, but it was a mess... a life truly stolen from her as a child and again as a high-schooler.

So I take it personally when some refuse to allow for the reality of the potential depth of hurt and pain caused by such a traumatic event as sexual abuse by non-consent... rape. Not all rape victims are doomed to the same fate as my ex-wife, but all are scarred due to some part of themselves truly being ruined for life... whether they acknowledge it or not.

I tried reasoning w/o bringing personal stuff up. Now I'm just pissed by the willing "happy happy, good thoughts overcome all" blindness, and then follow-up unwillingness to acknowledge other points of view, by some.

Now I've gotta back away from this thread. I let it get to me and I'm liable to say something that gets me an infraction... possibly banned... if I keep reading more willing ignorance on parade.
That's a very sad story and I'm sure it took a lot for you to type all that just to get your points acrossed. Your ex-wife lived a very difficult life thus far due to horrible incidents in her life, I wish her well so that she can fully enjoy the life that she so deserves.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

Update:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48292780/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/#.UA7SR6DAETA

"A Kentucky teenager frustrated by light punishment for two boys who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting her was spared Monday from having to face a contempt charge for naming them on Twitter in violation of a court order. The case of Savannah Dietrich, 17, quickly gathered supporters nationwide who were upset that the victim of an assault could be punished for speaking out against her attackers.
The girl turned to Twitter after she said she was frustrated with what she felt was a lenient plea deal. The judge had ordered no one to speak about the case, which was in juvenile court.
On Monday, attorneys for the boys dropped their motion to charge her with contempt. David Mejia, an attorney for one of the boys, said the decision to withdraw the motion had nothing to do with public sentiment and online attention to the case."

of course it didn't.

[NorthTexan95]

I don't think you understood what i meant by the comment, and im sure i could have made it clearer, but her innocence is now ruined. It was taken from her, raped away from her. Can she still lead a happy, healthy life eventually? Yes, but the chances of such have been greatly reduced by boys who took away her ability to decide how the events of this child's life unfold, in a disgusting and traumatizing way.

..and again, no one close to her is going to be telling her that her life is ruined, so im confused as to why you keep bringing that up as if it relates to people discussing her case on a message board or through some other medium that isn't going to be seen or heard by any of the people being discussed.

It seems this is how most internet arguments go. You eventually figure out you're arguing semantics.

I don't disagree with anything you said in this post. I guess the point of contention is the use of the word "ruin" and how we define it. In my mind there's a finality to the word.

We agree that whatever happened is horrible ... we agree that the girl probably has a long and difficult journey ahead ... we agree that we hope this is able to overcome this.

[jobberone]

There are too many comments in this thread that smack of insensitivity to a level I find difficult to describe well. Having cared for women I do not care for them although that's not a necessary prerequisite to be feel that way.

With the size of this forum there are almost certainly members who have been raped as well and I think others should keep this in mind. There are juveniles on this site who are probably impressionable and that should be kept in mind, too.

I realize this is an open internet forum and this is an off-topic one as well. I personally find this thread distasteful primarily because of the insensitive remarks. I will now avoid it and let what will be.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

There are too many comments in this thread that smack of insensitivity to a level I find difficult to describe well. Having cared for women I do not care for them although that's not a necessary prerequisite to be feel that way.

With the size of this forum there are almost certainly members who have been raped as well and I think others should keep this in mind. There are juveniles on this site who are probably impressionable and that should be kept in mind, too.

I realize this is an open internet forum and this is an off-topic one as well. I personally find this thread distasteful primarily because of the insensitive remarks. I will now avoid it and let what will be.

If it was so bad, why did you read the entire thread?

Second, the "there are juveniles,,," is always a bogus argument. Children see far worse on tv and if people are so worried about what their children see on the net, they should monitor it, not expect others posting on the net to be afraid some child might see what they write.

[vta]

Second, the "there are juveniles,,," is always a bogus argument. Children see far worse on tv and if people are so worried about what their children see on the net, they should monitor it, not expect others posting on the net to be afraid some child might see what they write.

I'm sure a majority likes to argue that TV doesn't really influence a kid's actions, while real world behaviors do. I argue that both do influence kid's but a kid for the most part can recognize the difference between play-acting and reality.The appearance of downplaying the effects of rape is pretty rough.

I agree with most of the above, every thought need not be uttered and in the case as sensitive as rape, this is one of those instances. There's nothing wrong with a little personal moderation from everyone involved.

[burmafrd]

If it was so bad, why did you read the entire thread?

Second, the "there are juveniles,,," is always a bogus argument. Children see far worse on tv and if people are so worried about what their children see on the net, they should monitor it, not expect others posting on the net to be afraid some child might see what they write.

no surprise at all coming from you

[BraveHeartFan]

She did the right thing, i really don't care what the law says in cases like this where the offenders are treated as victims and the victims treated like trash


Pretty much exactly how I feel about it as well.

I feel bad that she might get into some trouble for it but good for her for standing up and doing whats right.

[casmith07]

The right decision was made in this case.

[RoyTheHammer]

The right decision was made in this case.

:confused:

I assume you mean not to charge the girl.. not the plea deal that was given.