Another Blogger's Take on the Richmond Gang Rape

All weekend, various news stations featured the awful story of the young girl who was gang-raped at her homecoming. More troubling, is the fact that the incident happened so close to home at Richmond High School. Police believe that as many as 10 people ranging from 15 to mid-20s had attacked the girl for more than two hours in a dimly lit area, with more than two dozen others reportedly watching, laughing, and taking pictures.

Over two hours and no one stepped up?!?!? I understand that the raw image of such a heinous act, mixed with fear of retaliation and conflict, can stop someone from interjecting, but the least you can do if you were a bystander is to CALL 911.

I actually know someone who was raped a few years ago, and she is very close to me. I cannot even begin to describe the feelings and emotions that I first felt when she told me of the traumatic experience. Thoughts of hatred, frustration, anger, revenge…all clouded my head. All I kept thinking was if I was there, none of this would have happened.

If you or someone you know has been raped, it is never too late to get help. In San Francisco, call San Francisco Women Against Rape's 24-hour hotline at 415-647-7273 for free, confidential support. SFWAR also has step-by-step instructions on what to do if you have been raped, information on seeking medical attention and involving the police, how to support a survivor and many other tips and resources. Call 1.800.656.HOPE (4673) to find your local crises center near you for guidance and support.