women and criminal justice

Women are not given a fair shake when it comes to their role in the criminal justice system. When it comes to rape allegations there is always the microscope that is put on the woman who was the rape victim. Someone who is a victim should not be the one under the most scrutiny nor should they be interrogated as if they were the perpetrator. Why is that the case? If it were a male that was raped by a female, would he be treated the same? No, the lawyer would not ask questions pertaining to “what were you wearing, did you have too many drinks, did you lead the accuser on”? These are the type gender inequalities that women must face in circumstances of rape cases. This is also stemming from the ideology of rape myths as described in the text. According to the textbook, “Rape myths are defined as “attitudes and beliefs that are generally false but are widely and persistently held, and that serve to deny and justify male sexual aggression against women”(Mallicoat, 2018, p.80). This leads to victim blaming which turns the tables on the victim who must then go on the defense. Already a victim of being raped but must now be the victim of societies bias.

One of the many theories that I do not find as convincing is the routine activities theory. This theory suggests the likelihood of someone committing a crime and the chance that someone is victimized (Mallicoat, 2018, p.67). It says that some is looking to be an offender, they have a target in mind, and there is not someone present to protect the potential victim. It states that the victim requires someone there to be a guardian to put up this veil to keep them safe. Not only does that state that the person cannot protect themselves. It can shift the blame to that certain “guardian” if they are not there when the potential victim is harmed. It can cause a misplaced sense of blame on that person that they did not uphold their duty. On the contrast “lifestyle theory suggests that people who engage in risky lifestyle choices place themselves at risk for victimization” (Mallicoat, 2018, p.68). This is a theory that I am convinced is an accurate statement of judgement. This theory is saying that those who participate in risky acts have a higher chance of being victimized. This is even more accurate if that person is around someone who has want to engage in risky or harmful behavior. For a woman if she is under the influence while in a group outing. This leaves the chance for someone to take advantage of her. That is what this theory is stating when it relates to people’s everyday activities.

Domestic violence has been thrust into the spotlight of the world recently. We have seen with sports in the NFL, NBA, etc. that even in the sports entertainment which is at the forefront of the media nowadays. Domestic violence is a hot commodity for discussion. As well as attempts to bring it to light and establish a solution. In the late 1900’s the rise of domestic violence and homicides went up due to the lack of assistance from officials. Victims had nowhere to go whilst in an abusive relationship. The abuser would handle all the finances, isolate the victim from friends and family, and keep them feeling hopeless and alone. So, the rise of the battered women’s movement helps combat the growing issue. By having shelter’s and counseling programs for victims, and couples having problems. However, the need for it was outweighed by what was provided according to the text. (Mallicoat, 2018, p.108). This is especially important because everyone asks the question, “why don’t you just leave”? Not everyone is able to leave their abuser or a situation of abuse due to previously stated reasons as well as if children are involved. So, unless proper protocols, more solutions are revealed, and officials produce efficient resources. This trend of domestic violence will increase and get swept under the rug.

Mallicoat, S. (2018), n.d. Women, Gender, And Crime. Thousand Oaks: California.