I have never lived in a bubble. But "I" do not know anyone who has been raped

[Horse with no Name]

Do I think that I have any friends that have been raped?

Of course. But it happens to be one of those things that we don't talk about at parties.

I think that there are a lot of folks like me that don't "know" someone who has been raped.

But I also bet that those silent victims are going to be voting for Obama this election.

[Zalatix]

1. It's quite possible that no one you know has actually spoken about it.

Hopefully THEY will be voting for Obama this year.

[Horse with no Name]

2. That was my point.

Statistics show that 600 women are raped EVERY day.

I know a lot of people...but I do not KNOW anyone who has ever admitted this.

That is a lot of women--232,960 each year.

http://www.now.org/issues/violence/stats.html

[Cleita]

3. I did and her magic uterus didn't prevent a pregnancy.

I accompanied her to Mexico to get an illegal abortion, (early sixties) which was botched and she never was able to get pregnant again. It pretty much ruined her life. However, it's something most women don't like to talk about.

[Horse with no Name]

5. I suspect that this is the case for most people

It takes a lot of courage to come forward and talk about rape and abortion in our country.

It is sad that these issues are verboten, however, imagine the surprise if it was socially acceptable to admit to these very private, personal issues without being judged, without being ostracized...without being accused of "asking for it" or in the case of abortion, being called a murderer.

Hugss to your friend. I cannot imagine the horror she went through. I only hope that women get out and vote so that we do not end up with the same situation.

[Care Acutely]

4. I recently cared for a young woman who tried to end her life

because she couldn't stop herself from looking at her <10wk old baby with hate for her rapist.

[Horse with no Name]

7. I hope she is getting some therapy

I can't imagine having a souvenir of the worst experience of your life.

A souvenir that needs to be loved and cared for--despite how horrible it makes you feel.

I will keep this poor woman in my thoughts. I can't imagine her pain.

[ismnotwasm]

6. I do

And I was almost raped twice. I got away. I carry a type of weapon to this day.

I'm sure there are many people who don't "know" someone who has been raped, as you say; I will say this; there isn't a woman alive who doesn't fear the possibility on some level.

[Horse with no Name]

9. +1

And if we allow these neanderthals to "redefine rape"...it will not be safe for a woman to walk the streets alone at any time of the day or night.

[MAD Dave]

8. I know three :(

Sadly enough I know three women that have been raped - my wife and two others. Worse yet, I know the man that raped two of the women. The women have never talked to the Police and the rapist remains free to live his perverse life. How great is that!