As a Black women's organisation working
with rape survivors we were horrified by the Dispatches programme and protested against
its broadcast. The programme promoted racist stereotypes with the dangerous lie that most
gang rape is committed by Black boys. This leaves Black women even more vulnerable to
rape:
Less than 1 in 60 rapes ever reach court – the cases Dispatches studied
presented an outrageous distortion, a tiny proportion of sexual violence committed against
girls. Several statistical experts have challenged the validity of the Dispatches
"research". The disproportionate numbers of Black men prosecuted for rape
reflects not the reality of rape but the racism of the police, CPS and courts. For
example, 25% of people stopped and searched are Black (42% in London). Dispatches’
claim that their statistics prove Black boys are more likely to gang rape is reminiscent
of Paul Condon’s statement that 80% of muggers are Black. Statistics born of racist
practices are routinely used to justify targeting Black people.
We are against hiding any rape – whoever commits it and we have always fought to
get rape properly prosecuted. But presenting the main rapists as young Black men, diverts
public concern about rape into anger against Black people. In this way, the protection of
women is identified with the persecution of Black men. This is dangerous for all women, in
particular Black women who besides bearing the brunt of any escalation in racism against
Black people are already discouraged from reporting rape. Women cannot be certain we will
be treated sympathetically by a police force widely acknowledged to be sexist and racist,
and which sometimes uses our reports of rape as a pretext to persecute our communities,
arrest and harass young Black men, including those who are not guilty of any crime, let
alone rape. There is a long history of racism that makes it look like rape is particular
to Black men.
The Dispatches team claimed to have spoken to 20 academics who privately endorsed
the broadcast but were not prepared to appear on it. Dispatches must name them.
Also why didn't these academics come forward to let the public know what they think?
The programme will give a green light to racists at all levels of society to attack
Black and immigrant communities. Every racist media report incites attacks; including
racist sexual attacks on women. Will Dispatches gather and broadcast statistics on
that?
During the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, a great deal of evidence emerged of police racism
and discrimination experienced by Black victims of violence. The enormous burden of
justice work women do is only beginning to come out, whether we are campaigning on behalf
of ourselves or our loved ones, women or men, as victims of rape or other violence. For
many years, Black and immigrant women have complained of the racism, compounded by sexism
which victims of rape often face, from the media, police, immigration officials, the
courts and even our own legal representatives.
This programme attacked and undermined the anti-rape
and anti-racist movement, by focussing public attention on rape by Black teenagers, as if
they rather than violence are the problem.
Women Against Rape adds: "Most rape takes place in the
home, in marriages and in relationships. One in six women has been raped and one in
eight Black women has suffered racist sexual assault. Given Black people are only
5%-6% of population; the vast majority of rapes of young girls are by white men, including
by those in authority. However, these rapes are far less likely to reach court, result in
conviction, appear in official statistics or get media coverage."
23 November 1998
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