Repsonse to Rape Cases

The Richmond High School case in particular shocked me because there were so many bystanders that did nothing, and it took place on school grounds. I suppose it was an example of the bystander effect. I can hardly believe that it was allowed to take place on school grounds during a school sponsored event. The school should have had better security on watch. I feel that a school should be responsible for keeping it's student population safe, especially at school sponsored events.

The Greg Haidl case disheartened me because even though the victim had been known to be promiscuous with the other men, she still was not in a position to give consent at the time the rape happened. Previously having sex with someone should not be a premise for consent. I believe that sex should happen between two consenting persons each and every time they have sex. Although it is more likely that two people in a committed relationship who are sexually active (ex. marriage) will give consent, it should still be given each and every time they take part in a sexual act. Is a wife not considered raped if her husband takes advantage of her and she does not give consent?
In the Kobe Bryant case, Kobe's position in society leaves him at blame, especially because he is married. Also, the fact that the victim was much younger than him and that she had schizophrenia makes it appear as though Kobe really was taking advantage of her. The issue of withdrawn consent is also important, because a person can choose to withdraw their consent.
The Roman Polanski case was upsetting because he not only gave the girl drugs, but she was a minor. Her mother was blamed because she allowed her daughter spend time with him, and the lack of her father's presence was also put to blame. However, there are plenty of girls who live with both of their parents who engage in promiscuous activities just as there are plenty of girls who live with their mothers and do not engage in promiscuous activities.

I define rape as any non-consensual sexual acts committed among people. It should not happen in any circumstances. I also believe that women should be aware of the circumstances they are in, especially if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.