Idaho Sheriff Craig Rowland says that most rapes are actually consensual sex

[Liberal_in_LA]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/18/idaho-sheriff-said-most-rape-victims-hes-worked-with-are-lying-the-numbers-disagree/


The rape myth that lives on in Idaho

This week, an Idaho sheriff faced national backlash after saying that most rape victims in his rural county were lying. Bingham County Sheriff Craig Rowland told a local television reporter, "The majority of our rapes that are called in are actually consensual sex.”

That’s why, he said, the state shouldn’t force officers to test rape kits.

Rowland made his argument Monday (which he has partially retracted), just before Idaho lawmakers unanimously approved a bill that would, among other requirements, give local authorities 30 days to submit DNA evidence collected from victims and their clothing to the state police, who would then have 90 days to add it to their database. Currently, officers decide whether rape kits should be tested.

__!!

Rowland, who has not responded to requests for an interview and for rape statistics from his office, wrote on Facebook that he faced intense online backlash, and he apologized for offending people. He explained his thoughts:


A Deputy is sent to every one of these cases and that Deputy then in turn contacts the on call detective to help with the investigation. In some of these cases through the investigation it may be determined that the sex was consensual, but not always. In these types of cases after the investigation is complete and it was determined that the sex was consensual I don't believe that those kits should be sent to the lab.

Some users fired back in the comments. One wrote:

There is no excuse for the statement you made. None. What are you planning on doing to mitigate the damage your statement has caused, what will you do to help victims in Bingham county feel like they can come to you for help? Law enforcement sensitivity training? A sheriff sponsored sexual assault awareness campaign? Do you have a plan other than complaining about how difficult things are for you?

[malaise]

1. He's still Sheriff?

WTF!!!

[Liberal_in_LA]

2. Bingham County Sheriff Craig Rowland apologizes for rape statement

http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/tfy0rr/picture66856062/ALTERNATES/FREE_640/Sheriff%20Craig%20Rowland
I have received many calls today from people all across the United States about the press release that I did on Monday (March 14). After talking to these folks and explaining what I really meant, I believe they have a different perspective. I want to explain what I was trying to say in the interview.

I misspoke when I said the majority of our rape cases are consensual sex. The meaning behind my statement that has been misunderstood is that when a case is called into the dispatch center each and every one is thoroughly investigated. A Deputy is sent to every one of these cases and that Deputy then in turn contacts the on call detective to help with the investigation. In some of these cases through the investigation it may be determined that the sex was consensual, but not always. In these types of cases after the investigation is complete and it was determined that the sex was consensual I don't believe that those kits should be sent to the lab.

I now understand that I should have explained myself further so as to not cause this type of confusion. This has been a very humbling experience and I now know that I have to clarify myself more when speaking of sensitive matters such as this. I know that it is hard for victims to come forward on sexual assault cases. I spoke to a rape victim today and told her that I knew it was hard for her to come forward. I want to apologize to anyone who I might have offended with my statement as my main responsibility is to the public’s safety and well being and maintaining their trust. I did a 10 minute interview and this is what came out of it and for that I am truly sorry.

I can also say with regret that I now know what it is like to be cyber-bullied. Not only have I been threatened but so has my family. I hope that this will clear things up a bit.

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article66856072.html#storylink=cpy

[mythology]

3. Not to defend anybody who is actually threatening this idiot

but that "apology" is utterly worthless.

[Iggo]

4. He misspoke? He's sorry we misunderstood?

Oh, and now he's a victim? "I can also say with regret that I now know what it is like to be cyber-bullied."

Fuck him and fuck his no-apology apology.

[Coventina]

6. That is in no way an apology. Major FAIL - AGAIN!!

[Rex]

5. That is false and it makes me wonder why he thinks that way?

What is he hiding?

[Odin2005]

7. What a POS.

[IDemo]

8. Right along with the repub ID legislator who said the body provided its own birth control in rapes

[Ilsa]

9. Fuck you with a cactus dildo, Sheriff Rowland. nt