Alleged rape victim identified
Posted by Anna on August 2, 2007
Well, you know what I’m going to say about that headline by now, don’t you?
After an emotional outburst in the Christchurch District Court as she gave evidence – and after the court was adjourned to give her time to compose herself – Jacqueline Howat told Judge Murray Abbott she wanted her name made public.
Complainants in sexual abuse cases have their names automatically suppressed.
However, after Howat’s unusual request, the judge made a special order allowing publication.
I think this was incredibly brave of her, particularly given the way the media frequently treats both rape survivors and sex workers, let alone those who are both.
She repeated her claim that she could identify the accused as the attacker, but agreed she had blocked out a lot of what happened on the night.
The “but” implies that these things are contradictory; they’re not. I think it was Maia who said to me recently that trials in such cases should include expert witness on how memory works during and after trauma. Suffice it to say that for her memory to work in this way is neither unusual nor illogical.
Victoria Marinelli said
Well, I heartily second that.
I just found out about this case (addressed here: Gee, why is it women and youth in the sex trade won’t trust law enforcement*?) and really appreciate your covering it. Howat’s pursuit of the charges (even though unsuccessful, from what I’ve gathered) is something heroic to me. I wish her strength.
BTW, any further news on this case? Like, as to whether the assailant/police recruit in question will get to return to his career? One article I found – dated August 9th – said that he would “still face an internal tribunal to determine his future” – but I haven’t been able to find out anything else, since.