Teen Faces Jail Because She Tweeted Names Of Guys Who Sexually Assaulted Her
17 year old Savannah Dietrich tweeted the names of two guys who were convicted of sexually assaulting her and now faces jail time for her actions that might see her serve more time than they got for sexually assaulting her. Back in August of last year, Savannah was drinking and passed out. She was sexually assaulted and the two boys took photos of the assault and shared it with others. The photos and the assault made her life a living hell. The boys were sentenced to what she feels like is a slap on the wrist. She is not allowed to tell what the punishment is and because the boys were juveniles she was not supposed to Tweet their names, but she did and said she doesn't care if she goes to jail for it. Why should these a-holes be protected forever for what they did, but they don't really get into trouble for sexually assaulting Savannah and sending photos of them doing it? The court system is just making Savannah even more of a victim. Savannah and her parents chose to make her name public and what happened and don't wish to be protected by the normal anonymity afforded sexual assault victims.
147 comments:
Why would she be charged with a crime?!? Aren't their names already public because they were charged and convicted?
Wait, I reread. That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Way to assault her twice.
^No, because they were minors is my understanding.
That is so fucked up. She better not get any convictions!
Oh, and go go go Savannah and her parents! You all are brave and amazing people!
If ever someone deserves to be exposed, its these f*cking assholes!! Im proud of her, and i hope the case goes to the supreme court. They did it, they hv to live with it, same as her. If she gets locked up, I, and others, will put so much money in her prision fund that she can live like a queen in there. This shit makes me furious!!!!
It was juvenile court. The judge issued a gag order. She broke the law.
If that sounds harsh, then change the laws. But while they're still in place, we need to follow them. Two wrongs don't make a right.
There are practically no deterrents for juveniles these days. They perpetrate this heinous shit because they know they are just going to get a slap on the wrist and have their records sealed. It needs to stop NOW.
I am so proud of this young lady for fighting back. So many of us girls have put ourselves in these types of dangerous situations, and she is taking charge of what happened to her and is not letting herself be victimized by her attackers all over again
@syko
Yes, she did break the law. She knew it, and was prepared to go to jail for it. I would've done the exact same thing
Agree...
can we get RAINN to step in & try to help her out or something?! make this heard, this fucking pisses me off!! they probably each got like 5 years and she'll probably get 10-15
I agree with what Syko wrote
Generally minors names in sex assault cases are withheld.
Actually, did she break the law? Gag orders usually pertains to the media.
@Mame Dennis
We need to ask Mr. Frufa!!
Amen enty, those boys are getting a slap on the wrist while she spends the rest of her life paying for getting too drunk and passing out. any one of us could have been in this situation-weather male or female. they should make examples of these rapists!
If it was a gag order and she broke it that is wrong however once they reach 18 they will have to be listed as sex offenders which means their names would be public knowledge. She also did this before she became 18 so I say smart for her and her parents they will have to charge her as a juvenile.
It was my understanding from another article that while, yes she was drinking, she was drugged. Not that she got drunk.
She should have had the gag order vacated then published their names. I hope nothing happens to her and I hope, now that their names are public, those that assaulted her get their due - Karma's a bytch.
If I'd been in her shoes, I'd have been mad as hell and done the same thing.
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120720/NEWS01/307200106/Sexual-assault-victim-s-tweets-about-attackers-prompt-contempt-case-against-Louisville-s-Savannah-Dietrich?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|FRONTPAGE
Here's an artice from the local newspaper about this. Yes, she can be charged with contempt because in KY, juvenile cases are confidential and all parties are subject to orders maintaining confidentiality. There has been talk of opening up juvenile courts in recent years but it hasn't been done yet. And no these boys will not have to register as sex offenders because their cases are not in adult court.
I am so proud of this young lady for fighting back. So many of us girls have put ourselves in these types of dangerous situations, and she is taking charge of what happened to her and is not letting herself be victimized by her attackers all over again
this, exactly.
There's a reason she made this public (imo). She wanted their names out there and even though she knew she was breaking the law, the publicity is going to shame the court into going easy on her.
She was the victim, after all.
Enty, your an attorney. Does it help for the public to contact the distict attorney and tell him/her that procecuting this poor girl would be digusting?
Kentucky is now on my ever growing list of terrible states that need to secede from the Union.
Savannah did the right thing. These little twerps do not deserve the protection they got.
I'm thinking about many people who talk about Enty's blind items in wich he talks on sexual asaults... Don't you think that some events like this are the reason for don't share the man's names? It seems to me like they are very protected (generally) and this stuff happens in my country too... It's sad.
Bless you all.
Ok tateronthecouch If someone at 16 rapes someone because they are a juvenile they will never have to register as a sex offender or is this just in Kentucky?
I have never been the victim of a violent sexual crime, but when I was in my early 20's I was up-skirted at work without my knowledge wearing a short full dress (don't judge -early 90's). The guy was apprehended, and they splashed that video of me and others all over the local news.
I was so humiliated, that I refused to even talk to the prosecutors on the phone who called my work every day to get me to testify against him in court. I will always regret that shame I felt, especially since he was later convicted as the serial rapist. It would've been empowering to help take him down
Good for her! I'm of the opinion that all juveniles who commit a sexual crime or harm or kill animals should have their identity known, to do otherwise just gives them a headstart on their more serious crimes later.
This is so FUCKING WRONG!!! If they are old enough to rape an unconscious woman, then they are old enough for the entire world to know who they are. Disgusting fucks!
Just because something is a law doesn't make it right.
Kim's World: I don't know about other states, but in Kentucky, unless the case is transferred to adult court (which can happen under specific circumstances), the defendant does not have to register as a sex offender
@Sunny - that sucks :(
If she is charged with contempt, I hope the judge throws it out. She broke a law, yes, but... c'mon!
It's fucking petition time.
The boys demonstrated a lack of shame or regret by taking photos and passing them around. And by taking photos and passing them around, they not only violated her but invaded her privacy and physically exposed her to others. Since the boys already admitted it to others, the judges order made no sense and protected them more than it helped her. The judge should fine the boys the cost of her counseling.
Protecting the privacy of juveniles may apply in some circumstances, but not here since they themselves bragged about it so much that that is how she found out.
Good for her. "Juvenile" being defined as 18 is at the whim of the courts. If they'd murdered someone, it's kind of a no brainier that they'd push to have them tried & sentenced as "adults."
Committing a heinous crime knowing that it will "disappear legally" when you turn 18 makes it even more insidious.
If that judge is more concerned with seeing this young woman imprisoned for contempt of court than he is with what those boys did? He's got his priorities wrong.
Sometimes, someone has to stand up and publicly take a stand for ridiculous laws to be changed. Brava to her for doing so.
Thanks tateronthecouch. Now I'm mad that if some guy pees in the street he is a sex offender but someone that is a minor rapes someone and is not on the list.
She is so brave. I'll be happy to contribute to her legal fees, though it's ridiculous she should even have to defend herself like this.
This is a special case and the two guys who committed this crime essentially waived their right to privacy after they grossly violated hers. They didn't seem to have a problem showing pictures and having their names associated with the rape until they were "caught" and convicted. Hopefully the judge will take this into consideration and she won't serve any time.
Some laws are worth breaking.
Lord HELP!!!
@angel
Posting their names is not "vigilante justice". If you think she seems like an "out of control brat", I really think you need to re-examine your line of thinking. Breaking the law does not invite others to victimize you. I suppose you don't think you can rape a prostitute?
@Kim's World: I agree.
Agree with Syko. She broke the law by drinking which precipitated the events that followed. Now she's breaking the law again.
@djphob, I didn't say that breaking the law invites others to victimize you, nor did I say that you can't rape a prostitute.
If you want to disagree, fine, but putting words into the mouths of others is not the way to argue your case.
When I was in my final student teaching semester in college I witnessed something similar to this. One of my students had been busted with some pot in his locker and was expelled for the remainder of his senior year (he dropped out and a really bright kid is now a gas station clerk). That same week two boys raped a girl on the football field and were working in my classroom a few days later because they were being dealt with by the juvenile authorities.
I lost my faith in the " system" right then and there. It just made me sick to look at their little smug faces every day and overhear them tell their buddies that they weren't worried because they were minors.
I say let's all protest on the courthouse steps if they lock her up for a minute OR even fine her.
And yeah, I'm DEAD serious.
//financially, I'd figure out a way for gas to get there. As it must be done.
When I was in my final student teaching semester in college I witnessed something similar to this. One of my students had been busted with some pot in his locker and was expelled for the remainder of his senior year (he dropped out and a really bright kid is now a gas station clerk). That same week two boys raped a girl on the football field and were working in my classroom a few days later because they were being dealt with by the juvenile authorities.
I lost my faith in the " system" right then and there. It just made me sick to look at their little smug faces every day and overhear them tell their buddies that they weren't worried because they were minors.
AND, do you have any idea of how many papers I've written on minority teen males being TRIED in adult courts for possession of HERB, and thus being sent to ADULT prisons for their conviction (which just about ALWAYS comes)?? Too many. Yet, these rapists/child pornographers (b/c they posted the pics of the crime ONLINE) get tried in juvie court!!!!! Yes, I DO feel race played a role in this. How many truly believe that if the perp's were anything BUT white, we'd be reading this story right now? Let's be honest or else there is NO hope for change to ever come about in America.
Godbless this child. I clearly, have her back.
My apologies for the double post. Long time lurker, first time poster and it obviously didn'twork out the way I'd intended.
Hi @Jessi
All of us are guilty of a double/triple post - no worries. Your story is why I could never have been an educator, a counselor or a social worker. I don't think I have the impulse control required to not throw dukes when I see injustices such as these
@angel
Why does her drinking and breaking the law by doing so have anything to do with your argument then?
"She broke the law by drinking which precipitated the events that followed."
Why does that matter if you don't think it's an invitation to be victimized or makes her less of a victim?
@angel
I also didn't put words in anyone's mouth. I just pointed out your incorrect usage of the term "vigilante justice" and supposed as to what you may think. "I suppose you think" is not putting words in anyone's mouth.
You also seem to have deleted the comment unless my eyes aren't working, which is entirely possible.
@angel and @djphob
For better or for worse, you'd be hard-pressed to find a young adult that is not drinking by this age. I say this having gone to two very different high schools. One was a private Christian high school in one of the most expensive parts of San Diego, and the other was a 3500 student public high school in a middle income part of town. My parents nor did my friends' parents have any idea
I will happily stand corrected if a bunch of readers ask what the hell I'm talking about :)
Just so we're all clear, I'm not defending the attackers. BUT I think she should've really considered the consequences of naming the attackers. Juvenile records are meant to stay sealed for a reason. By disregarding a gag order she now faces punishment which could very likely affect college acceptance, work etc. Yes she can explain it away but to me that's like reliving the rape over and over again.
Just so we're all clear, I'm not defending the attackers. BUT I think she should've really considered the consequences of naming the attackers. Juvenile records are meant to stay sealed for a reason. By disregarding a gag order she now faces punishment which could very likely affect college acceptance, work etc. Yes she can explain it away but to me that's like reliving the rape over and over again.
Just so we're all clear, I'm not defending the attackers. BUT I think she should've really considered the consequences of naming the attackers. Juvenile records are meant to stay sealed for a reason. By disregarding a gag order she now faces punishment which could very likely affect college acceptance, work etc. Yes she can explain it away but to me that's like reliving the rape over and over again.
I hate the way the system is set up. Most people who rape get a slap on the wrist. It's almost not even worth it to prosecute them. The victim has to relive the whole thing over & over again & can't start healing until the trial is over. It's honestly disgusting.
The laws where rape are concerned need to be changed. It's almost like it's a second class crime as they're written now. Especially with the time off for good behavior B.S. Most rapists serve a year if that much. While the victim has to live with this for the rest of their life.
Then the prosecution usually goes after the victim & tries to paint them as a slut who deserved what they got. Really? That is total bull crap! Drag them through the mud because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. No one EVER asks to be raped.
This girl has my FULL support. Shame the devil & tell the truth!
I read this yesterday on The Underground forum. Someone quoted the article and she faces a fine and 180 days in jail. So if these evil boys got a slap on the wrist, then they probably got less time that her! Think about it, they sexually assaulted her and passed around pictures of her and they will be getting less time than her - less than 180 days. I don't blame this brave girl one bit for her outrage!!
That is one busy dick, lol
This is an outrage. Yes, the laws need to be changed but I would sign a petition in a heartbeat for her NOT to do time. The girl was also drugged, assulted and photographs of the crime exist and this little skevees got a slap on the wrist, damn shame!
They should have been tried in adult court for this adult crime.
Yeah, perps prob had to pick up garbage, or vist old people in a nursing home, because, hey, they're good boys, just got carried away, we cant ruin their lives for this minor offense. After all, she was drunk, she was practically begging to be abused.
Yes, thats the bullshit reasoning. The line if thought tgat she broke the law anyway, and got what she deserved is beyond asinine. If i rob a bank, im breaking the law, but that doesnt mean you can break my leg after capture!!!! Jeesh, these rotten apples deserve every but of censure and exposure they get. F*ck them. They showed no regard for her, so now see how they like it. I bet their lawyers are preparing their"these fine young men made a mistake, syre, but they dont deserve to be branded for a youthful mistake" as we speak, right out the horseshit handbook. Ugh!!!!!!!!
@hairydog, you totally misconstrued my simple comments and those of Syko. I hope the sanctimoniously superior rush it afforded you was a good one.
Yes amazing parenting at work when your 16 year old daughter gets so drunk that she gets herself into a situation like that. What those boys did was wrong and what they did afterwards was cruel. What she did was stupid and she should bear some responsibility for that. An unpopular opinion I know but there is such a thing as being smart enough not to be an easy target.
Well since the whole world knows about her, it's only fair the world gets to know who these rapists are.
Juveniles or not unless they were under the age of 12 then, they should be named as sex offenders.
I don't care if she was naked on a bed passed out, you don't EVER touch a woman/girl without her consent and these little dicks need to learn that. What is it that makes people think that it is ok?
I don't want details of the case, BUT I would like to point out that *if* it wasn't rape - as sexual assault can mean a number of things other than rape, I can understand why they weren't publishing the names of the boys. Doesn't mean I agree with it but I at least understand it. However, if the defendants got off easy, I can't see how they can prosecute her with a harsher sentence - the public outcry would be huge (much like it is now that they're even considering charging her).
That being said though, if she was naked in any of the photos, they should have been charged with distribution of child porn and instead of getting off easy, they should have been prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Wait, if she was 17, I imagine the boys were also around that age. How in the world did they manage to get sentenced as juveniles? Sexually assaulting someone at 16 or 17 will get you thrown in big boy prison in Texas.
@ruby you are a horrible person and I hope you don't ever procreate. She is a teenager. I don't know a single person who hasn't made mistakes in life. Does that mean it's a suitable consequence to get gang raped? I don't know what naive little world you live in where teenagers don't drink, but why don't you try to have a little empathy for another human being. Victim blaming is disgusting.
Unfucking believeable.
I would have done exactly the same thing she did in the same circumstances.
I hope someone in the legal system has a bit of sanity over this and there is no conviction/jail involved.
She needs some support and help to get over this experience.
@ruby
not going to say what I want to say but that is a truly screwed up way to look at the world. If your daughter came to you and said she had been drugged, assaulted and photos of the incident were shared could you really, truly look at her and say, "Well, honey, you DO share some of the responsibility. They were wrong, but you were stupid."
It is that way of thinking that gets these boys a laughable sentence. It also keep many, many women from reporting rapes.
I just don't even know what to say. Disgusting.
Get Gloria Alred in on this, stat!!
To all those who say she shouldn't have been drunk and is thusly partially to blame, would you accept one of the attackers saying, "I knew it was wrong to rape her but she was drunk so it's not ALL my fault."
Sounds pretty ridiculous when you turn it around that way, eh?
I don't care if she was drinking, high as a kite, or just a heavy sleeper. She didn't give her consent. Plain and simple these guys are little menaces. Shame on them, they must've had great lawyers.
Why is it ok for everyone to see her picture and know her name but not theirs?? Why is it ok for them to put her out there being assaulted for all to see, but she can't shame them in return. That isn't justice, that's just fucked.
Here is a link to the petition "Drop charges against Savannah Dietrich" http://www.change.org/petitions/judge-deana-dee-mcdonald-louisville-ky-drop-charges-against-savannah-dietrich
Okay, here's where I take a deep breath. Let's just say that this kind of violence hits close to home for me. I DO. NOT. EXCUSE. RAPE. EVER. EV-AR.'Nough said.
Now, then, if I were a judge and Savannah Dietrich story came before MY bench in this incident, I'd understand that she admitted to breaking this particular law, and I would have to deal with that appropriately. However, I'd be very highly motivated to take every single fucking mitigating circumstance into account and sentence her as lightly as the law permitted. If probation with the lightest possible supervision were an option, that's what I'd dish out.
The law as a whole can't always take into account every possibility, such as a previous judge or prosecutor stupidly charging the two perps as juvies (in plenty of states, they charge kids barely undergoing puberty as adults for less). But a wise jurist CAN, occasionally, tip the scales back in the direction of human decency.
She was protected by juvenile law, as were the offenders. She choose to break the law. If the offenders had tweeted any specifics, they would have been punished. She, and apparently her parents, were aware and decided to violate what was ordered by the Court. If you violate the law, you pay the price.
Steppy if she was REALLY protected by juvenile law then she wouldn't have been raped in the first place. They broke the law and raped her. They broke the law and recorded and distributed the rape. They violated her body, her privacy and humiliated her afterwards yet you're advocating for them.
I see why others give you a hard time on here now, you have the compassion of a gnat.
Read this story this morning and was instantly awed and angry, first off what a strong girl Savannah is, can she get a plea bargain too? rapists are a protected species, they seem to have more rights then the victim...I'm glad she spoke out and why can't we know what they got, what's the big secret? Must be as she says, a slap on the wrist, more like slap in the face, punch in the guts?
To anyone tempted to blame the victim for being raped, what about all the men in all the bars everywhere who see drunken women in cute outfits, etc., and DON'T rape them? Do they have their Superman undies on? How do they resist the magical spell of drunken coochie?
Or are they maybe decent humans instead of rapist asscysts?
@ozzyinch
I think you got the wrong poster. I applaud her for what she did and i think those fucker boys should rot. Drinking underage ( which me and every person i associated with in high school) should have no part in this conversation. I was addressing a few other commenters who sadly thought she should bear some responsibility of what happened to her. I find that disgusting
Not only did they rape her, it sounds like they also distributed child porn. These guys willingly put their actions out for public consumption and she should not be prosecuted for essentially repeating what they already claimed to do.
That's what I said to my partner, it's child porn isn't it?
You also said that @ me when I was arguing w angel that it doesn't matter. I agree with you. Idk who you meant.
I respect everyone's right to an opinion but am appalled by those who denigrate and judge commenters who try to think with a clear mind, maintain a balanced perspective, and make an objective assessment.
Without question, the boys bear 100% of the blame for what they did to her sexually and beyond. NO ONE disputed that. It is also the TRUTH that she WAS engaging in behavior she should not have been when it happened and therefore shares some of the responsibility - NOT blame.. r-e-s-p-o-n-s-i-b-i-l-i-t-y.
Anyone who doesn't see that just doesn't want to see it, but denying it doesn't negate the FACT.
Sorry astrogirl, that you disagree with me. Two wrongs don't make a right. As much as it angers you, laws exist for a reason. No one is above the law.
If someone shot you, was convicted and sentenced, and you didn't think the sentence was harsh enough - would you go out and shoot them? Then expect the law to protect you because you were the original victim? I doubt it.
I'd imagine that if she is charged and convicted, she'd receive nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
Like I said, whether the guys are asses or not is irrelevant, she broke the law. And since the guys did not hand down the sentences to themselves, it seems her real issue is with the Judge and or prosecutor.
Sorry to throw some logic into this hatefest.
@djphob
Sorry lady! I had really stupid logic for @ you (trying to create a diversion before things got heated with you and angel). It's the Libra in me!!
Logic? There is no logic here, that's why people are angry.
Tell me the logic where they get off with their identities and their records intact and she continues to suffer.
astrogirl - what was the sentence that the guys received that you find too lenient?
@steppy
I think the reason we are all so hysterical over this is because if she hadn't reported her attack or sought prosecution, she could tell whomever the heck she wanted. It makes no sense (to many of us) that a victim should have to protect her attackers because decided to be brave and prosecute them. If God forbid this had happened to you or a loved one, would you feel the same way? It's not like she shot them dead outside the courthouse - she named them.
@PYTHIA -thanks! I signed it.
And for anyone who says well, she was drunk.....go back to your bubble and continue hiding behind your computer. I'm going to ASSUME that you also feel that prostitutes when raped, had it coming, or even when they are murdered, they had it coming.
I fear for you if you have a vagina. You are an insult to us all.
//sorry for my unusual crassness. Stupidity combined with unwarranted arrogance pisses me off to no end.
and what was that that Dr. Martin Luther King said in Letters From a Birmingham Jail.....something about an unjust law must be broken........
Remember, there have been countless laws which were and still are unjust.. So that logic doesn't fly with me.
Steppy I didnt mention anything about lenient sentences, get a grip and don't try and put words in my mouth.
@Steppy, they haven't been sentenced yet, which is why I agree that she was wrong to take the law in her own hands when she did.
I am stunned by some of these comments. How can anyone not sympathize with a teenage girl who was sexually assaulted, regardless of the circumstances? Shame on you.
Wow, and I suppose you've lived your life perfect in every way?
Have to agree as well.
@angel - I would bet you are one of the few that realize that. It was part of my point - the guys have not yet been sentenced, so it's difficult to object to something that doesn't yet exist.
@sunny - I understand the frustration. I am, in no way, defending the guys. They committed an awful crime and they will be sentenced. Unfortunately, victims don't get to decide what punishment offenders receive. But, the offenders do not decide either. That's up to the Judge. I understand that the girl was mad and wanted to make the situation public. But, doing so put her in violation of the Court's orders (which she was fully aware of).
So, should all victims be able to retaliate when they do not think sentences are harsh enough? Do they need to wait until the sentence is handed down, or just start swinging on the steps of the Courthouse? Is retaliation limited to tweeting? Or is Facebook okay? Newspapers? What about punching? Shooting? Taking a baseball bat to their car? Their home?
When do people have to follow the Judge's orders? When they feel like it? Agree with it? When public opinion is on their side?
Did you know that local victims rights groups do not agree with her actions?
We all learned it in kindergarten (we should have anyway) - two wrongs don't make a right.
:) no big! Just didn't want you thinking I'd say that.
I would like to point out that her name and picture are out there bc she and her family wanted it in the open to draw attention to the case. I just read a quote about it. Normally her identity would be protected.
@steppy
I certainly don't want to argue with you, but can you link to the article(s) saying that victims rights groups are condemning her actions? When I google it, all I see is that they are calling her a hero. I get the point you are trying to say, and reluctantly agree. Laws have to be enforced, and if you don't like them then try to get them changed. For the record, I'm not waving the flag that she shouldn't be punished for what she did. I just think she's a very brave young woman, and I know I would happily go to jail for breaking a law if it called attention to the need for it to be changed.
Good night everybody :)
@sunny, I didn't say they condemned her. I said they disagreed with her actions.
Here's the quote I was referring to-
The head of Kentuckians Voice for Crime Victims, a woman named Jo Ann Phillips, reportedly gave a newspaper interview in which she said that “This assault could affect her for the rest of her life and the fact that she said, ‘I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore,’ you have to applaud her. But you also have to respect authority. She should have gone to a victims’ group or her local legislator and fought for the right to speak out.”
Here's a link -
http://www.rightentertainment.com/?p=5518
Also, I agree that she's very brave. I doubt she'd go to jail, but if she does, I'll sent her a letter of support. Had I been in her position, I might have done the same thing. And like her, I would have expected to go to jail.
@steppy
Thank you - I appreciate the quote :)
Just tell me where to send money for her defense if she's prosecuted, also the e-mail of the prosecuting attorney's office because my friends and I will flood it with e-mails requesting leniency, because she deserves it more than the assoholes who did that to her.
@hairydawg. . .please keep your dick to yourself. I'm not a troll or an asshole. I just believe she should have obeyed the gag order issued by the judge. Just because a law isn't right, doesn't give you permission to break it. I have all the sympathy in the world for this girl who partied too hard and was sexually assaulted...I have not seen anywhere that says "rape". Sexual assault can be grabbing a boob, rubbing a penis up against her, many many things other than rape.
But in spite of the sympathy, she needed to follow the laws. She lowers herself to their level when she ignores the judge's order.
If you don't like a law, do something to change it. Don't just disregard it because it goes against your beliefs.
@ sunny - yes I got the wrong poster. Sorry about that, typing from my phone at 2am while insanely angry is not very successful. Apologies.
@trash addict - good idea!
@syko - totally agree!
I did some further research and was able to uncover the facts of just what went down.
Samantha invited a group of school acquaintances to her parents' home for a party. I could not ascertain where her parents were during that time or if they knew what she was doing. All the kids were underage and alcohol was being consumed. Samantha had removed most of her clothes and passed out drunk. The boys manipulated her body and took pictures of her, but did not sexually assault her. They subsequently showed the photos around to other classmates.
Angel...
thanks for doing the research.
I tend to agree with you, and with Steppy (thanks for the quote).
What the boys did was stupid. Her actions that evening were stupid. She is not to blame for what they did.
I have a photo of my hs friend passed out, not naked, but in a compromising position that we, her friends, put her in after drinking a bottle of Hot 100.
@angel again, you seem confused by what things mean. What you describe does indeed fall under the umbrella of sexual assault. Not to mention they are charged with first degree sexual abuse which (I'm not a lawyer) is defined as unwanted touching of someone else's sexual parts. Seriously what is your game here? What is your point?
@djphob, I wanted to get to the bottom of this story because what we read here left important questions unanswered, i.e. exactly what happened that caused this girl to do what she did by defying the court and releasing those boy's names.
There is no game involved in wanting to know the truth before labeling the boys as rapists, which they are not, and which the whole country now incorrectly assumes they are due to Samantha's actions.
@angel
Where did you get your information that these boys "only" took photos of her in suggestive positions. Slate has an article that says she referred to it as a rape on her Facebook page
“If reporting a rape only got me to the point that I'm not allowed to talk about it, then I regret it,” she wrote in a note on her Facebook wall. “I regret reporting it.”
I got my information from someone who knows all the parties involved and the whole story. Regarding what Slate or Samantha says, I can't realistically comment, but in light of what's happened, between her defying the court and waving her right to anonymity as a juvenile, I really hope the court makes all the facts of the case formally public.
@angel
With all due respect (I like you, and I like your posts), I had a suspicion that this story was hitting a little close to you. I don't want to antagonize you, so I'll beat it. Have a good day, Angel :)
@angel
forgive my awkward phrasing - I need my java
The only thing that hit a little close to me was the seriousness of her releasing those boys names and only having half the story, with the court proceedings yet to be concluded. Something just isn't jiving for me, which is why I want all court documents released now. If it turns out my suspicions were unfounded, I'll be the first to admit it.
@angel
I didn't mean to imply that you were one of the boy's Mom or anything. Just that maybe you lived in the community and knew something. You don't need to respond, and I promise I wasn't trying to make a dig at you. That's why I put in a smiley face
lol, ohhh, no I'm not related to anyone associated with this case and don't even live there. No problem.
It amazes me what people are comparing this to. Do you really not see the difference between this and taking a funny picture of a passed out friend? And the attitude that it's not such a big deal because there was no P in V is just really gross, too. This is not some sort of childish mistake. If they hadn't taken photos, no one would have even known it had happened. I'm sure plenty of boys get away with things like this in high school and move on to more in college. Most rapists never see punishment. One in four women are sexually assaulted in their lifetime. These things cannot be taken lightly until those are no longer facts. Our culture is way too permissive of these sorts of things.
@angel So, your research was talking with someone who knows Samantha and the boys? And knows both of their sides of the story? And you're not related to them nor do you live in their town. You just, what, read this article today and then looked for mutual Facebook friends? My foot is ready to go in my mouth but something tells me your source isn't any more credible than a news site.
@djphob, your comments and opinions are respectfully appreciated. Have a nice day!
@angel - Can you at least show her a little respect and call the victim by her correct name? It's SAVANNAH.
Wouldn't want the wrong facts being passed around.
@Athena Ah gad, and then I just kept calling her that. Derp.
@angel how did I know you wouldn't elaborate on your "source" who knows everyone involved?
"ruby said...
Yes amazing parenting at work when your 16 year old daughter gets so drunk that she gets herself into a situation like that. What those boys did was wrong and what they did afterwards was cruel. What she did was stupid and she should bear some responsibility for that. An unpopular opinion I know but there is such a thing as being smart enough not to be an easy target."
Are you kidding me? How is this any different than saying she should take responsibility for wearing a miniskirt? Is this what you'd teach your daughter? That if she doesn't dress conservatively enough, or if she drinks too much, she's asking to be raped? She got drunk. If she blacked out, vomited, made a fool out of herself, drunk dialed someone, then yes, those are consequences of drinking. Being sexually assaulted is NOT a consequence of drinking. It's not a woman's fucking responsibility to not be assaulted. It's people like you that give this country a disgusting rape culture. It makes me sick. If ANY blame is being taken off of the boys and onto the victim, that's fucked up. Society is teaching women to not be raped and not men to um, not rape.
I don't believe they will have to register as sex offenders. Their records will be sealed when they turn 18 and no one will know what they did.
I don't believe they will have to register as sex offenders. Their records will be sealed when they turn 18 and no one will know what they did.
Savannah's not going to be proscecuted. The little pissants withdrew their motion.
http://gawker.com/5928410/sexual-assault-victim-wont-be-charged-with-contempt-for-tweeting-names-of-attackers
@Bex - Thank you! Very good reply.
Car54, THANK YOU for the link.
This is what a rape culture is. Women must NEVER complain about being seen as f***toilets by men or being raped by men. When we do talk about it, we are silenced with threats of violence and other derailing tactics.
See the whole Tosh rape-threat thing, for a perfect example of silencing women who speak out against rape ("jokes", my ASS- 'I was joking'= 'don't you DARE call me out on my abusive shit') with threats of violence. And, all the male commenters trying to blame the victim by saying she was "heckling". Anything to not have to be accountable, eh dudes?
This woman is SO bad-ass for what she did. She is truly a feminist hero to me. So brave.
I hope she outs them again and it haunts them after they turn 18. I WANT THE NAMES. They should be marked for life as rapists. After all, she's got to live "marked for life" by what they did to her.
The footage of her rape should also be destroyed as thoroughly as possible. How HORRID it must be knowing that it's out there. There must be a way to track the data...
Here are the rapists.
http://tal9000.tumblr.com/post/27853848825/dragonglass-iamateenagefeminist
@bex well said!
To Bex:
"It's not a woman's fucking responsibility to not be assaulted." BULLSHIT. The world doesn't revolve around you or your daughters, as much as you might like it to. Do you leave your doors unlocked at night because it's not your responsibility to be on guard against intruders who shouldn't be intruding? And you can apply that to any other area of life, especially when you throw underage binge drinking and immature testosterone pumped teenage boys into the mix.
You perpetuate the poor helpless victim stereotype. Mothers who aren't teaching their daughters to be proactive when it comes to protecting themselves do them a great disservice.
Phoenix-- I'm not a mom, thank G-d, I'm 19. And I'll be teaching my sons to always get consent before having sex with someone, rather than teaching my daughters not to get themselves raped.
Are you familiar with the concept of slut shaming? I'm not trying to be condescending or anything, I'm genuinely curious.
Anyway, why are you comparing women to objects? The two things are different and should be treated as such. Locking a door is not the same as telling a human being how to live their life. From a young age, we're taught to not show too much skin, not have too much sex, and not to drink too much unless you want to get raped. Women are taught to constantly be on the alert, because wearing something or drinking something can end in disaster. When someone doesn't conform to someone's vision of how a woman should act, well, they just have trouble coming to them. Don't be promiscuous, you're a slut and putting yourself on the rape market. Don't be a virgin, either, because then you're a prude. At the same time, your virginity is the most valuable asset you can give to a husband. Enough already! Why can't we teach MEN* that girls can fuck who they want and drink what they want and this does not entitle them to assault them? There's a really good new anti-rape PSA from Scotland, I strongly suggest watching it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h95-IL3C-Z8 Bringing up the issue of "immature" male testosterone is an insult to men, frankly. They make a conscious decision to rape someone. They don't just fall on to her vagina or something. I don't really know what else to say because it seems really obvious to me.
*I know men can be raped too, but that's another issue.
The naivete and ignorance on display here is nothing short of alarming. For the record, I AM a parent of a teen who was raped, and have volunteered at a rape crisis center 3 nights a week in the years since it happened, so I know exactly what I'm talking about.
I'll also tell you that just like this girl, my daughter had everything to do with bringing it upon herself. The circumstances were strikingly similar. It's not blaming the victim because the boy was clearly at fault for what he did, but you better believe that after our family went through that, my habits as a parent and especially those of my daughter changed dramatically.
If you can't comprehend what I'm saying, it's because you're so full of misplaced self-righteous indignation that you can't see the forest for the trees, and you'll likely raise a future victim too if that doesn't change.
That the majority here who argued so hard in favor of this girl's 'right' to leave herself vulnerable to becoming a helpless victim leaves me speechless. I can't wait to get to the shelter tonight to show them this misguided thread.
Oh and Bex, where did phoenix compare people to objects? People live in homes!!! Hello.
"Oh and Bex, where did phoenix compare people to objects? People live in homes!!! Hello."
Sorry, I'm not really following what you're saying. Phoenix said, "Do you leave your doors unlocked at night because it's not your responsibility to be on guard against intruders who shouldn't be intruding?" She's using doors/possessions as an analogy for girls/sex with those girls. One is about objects. One is about people. What is your confusion here?
To Angel:
I'm so glad I returned to follow up on responses. I'm sorry for what your daughter, you, and the family had to endure. It must have been difficult to share that publicly with people who are strangers essentially, and after being treated so dismissively. Your openess and candor leaves nothing for me to add. I admire your efforts to help victims and advocating for prevention on behalf of potential victims. Best wishes.
To Bex:
Intruders come into homes and rape women. The only person who is confused here is you because I for one don't know what the hell you're talking about.
Consider locking doors as an analogy to taking appropriate preventative measures. Good night.
I am confused as to what preventative measures are for not being sexually assaulted at a party. Getting drunk is of course not the ideal situation for anyone, but that doesn't send off signals that it is an open invitation for assault.
I would expect my 19 year old daughter and 16 year old son to be able to go to a party and not have a crime against them happen. Before my daughter left for college I warned her never to leave her drink unattended, always tell someone here she was going, never get into a car with anyone who has been drinking, and never to put herself into a situation where she could be abandoned by friends. However, if she was at a party where drinking was involved I wouldn't expect it to be open season for assault because testosterone and alcohol were involved.
I'm an English major, I understand analogies; thank you nonetheless for the explanation.
I'll try to rephrase what I meant. Locking a door is taking preventive measures on an object. Nobody's rights are being infringed on when they're told to lock a door. I can take 6 seconds to lock my door and continue to live my life however I want. Not drinking, or dressing modestly or whatever, is taking preventive measures on a PERSON. You're telling me that unless I act a certain way and dress a certain way and drink certain things and carry myself in a certain way, somehow if I get raped, I'm just bringing it to myself.
And that's wrong. Clearly we're just on two different pages here. It's like arguing with someone over abortion or gay marriage or Obamacare or gun control-- their opinions are a result of their culture and upbringing and are extremely unlikely to change. However, I seriously suggest you do a quick search on slut-shaming and research that a bit.
Thank YOU phoenix! :) I actually felt a little sick about sharing my experience when I woke up this morning and was prepared to delete it, but maybe I won't now. If it opens just one pair of eyes somewhere down the road, it's worth it I guess.
@lutefisk, the girl is underage and threw a drinking party for other underage kids at her house. She got so drunk that she passed out in nearly nude state. If you don't see how a different set of behaviors on her part would have prevented what happened to her, nothing I can say will make any difference.
@Bex, you seem to know it all, so be it.
I'm sorry angel. I don't believe any parent would raise their sons to think it was perfectly acceptable ta assault a drunk girl just because she was passed out.
I had a chain ripped off my neck with such force that I had welts on my neck for weeks. My son had his insulin taken from his backpack 2 weeks ago. My daughter had her phone stolen at school while taking an AP exam. My sister, brother. and father all had their wallets stolen. My father's was ripped out of his pocket with such force that they took the leg of the pants with the wallet.
We were all victims. I don't think people should expect to have their personal items taken just for having them.
AAs far as Bex goes she sounds like an extremely bright child who was obviously brought up to think for herself.
Never blame the victim. Blame the criminal.
I did mention that nothing else I could say would make any difference; so be it.
"I don't believe any parent would raise their sons to think it was perfectly acceptable ta assault a drunk girl just because she was passed out."
I do have to say though, that your interpretation of what I said is strictly your interpretation. In no way do I state or even come close to implying that.
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