I first read of this story a few days ago. The young girl who arrived home and told her mum that she had been raped by two young boys. I don't know the full story; how she informed her mum or the words used, I am paraphrasing. But suffice to say two boys aged 10 and 11 were charged with statutory rape.
It then came to light that she hadn't actually been raped by them. She informed authorities that although they attempted to rape her they were unable to carry it out. Again I am paraphrasing. Now surely it is the duty of the rape investigators to examine all victims of rape to confirm that the incident had indeed taken place and surely this would be obvious in one so young. She is too young to undergo such an invasive examination I hear you say. No, she is not. If the crime had taken place then all required investigations are essential.
The case was then brought before the Crown Court and the boys were found not guilty of actual rape but guilty of attempted rape. They have been added to the Sex Offenders Register for life and await sentencing.
This case has astounded me. Since when does the age old game of Doctors and Nurses between children become sexual assault? Don't get me wrong, I am a strong proponent of throwing the book at all rapists. It is something that I have personal experience of and am aware of what such an experience can do to a person. But can we get some perspective here? These are children who were playing and discovering each others bodies. It is a part of growing up. Has this country gone completely insane? There are two young boys whose lives are now irreparably damaged. What effect will this have on them now and in the future? How can they possibly understand what is happening? How will this effect any future relationships they may have with girls? And how do they learn like all of us have done how our bodies work without being terrified of the repercussions?
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