Interestingly, there are all kinds of existing laws that protect the victims of rape.
The problem is complicated when other self-governing entities (such as religion) decide to deal with the victims in a way that by-pass these existing laws, thus further aggravating the suffering of the victims. Unfortunately, these self-governing entities have their own unhealthy agendas. Further to that, governments have a policy of not getting involved with these self-governing entities. I believe the problem lies with the resultant inaction of the governments.
Some responsibility lies with the self-governing entities for their part in the inaction because of their own unhealthy agendas.
Some responsibility lies with the governments whose policy is to not get involved with self-governing entities.
Esther
Edited by - ESTEE on 15 January 2003 15:8:55