Rape and Recovery - Letters To The Editor - Letter to the Editor

Ebony, June, 2002

I read with great sadness the article by Lynn Norment, "Rape And Recovery: Survivors Speak Out" (April 2002). I want to compliment the writer and the ladies for the courage it took to speak out.

It is hard to understand how a man who has a mother and probably a sister or two could rape a woman. The Lord Jesus said, "Men love your wives," yet people who should be preparing to be good husbands are doing these shameful acts.

Please, EBONY, consider doing a regular series of articles on this topic. The series of articles will teach the public how to support the victims of these heartless criminals.

ROBERT B. FLANAGAN
Stone Mountain, Ga.

It is a shame and a disgrace that rape happens. To all rape survivors, may God strengthen, encourage and keep you. But while our attention is focused on female victims, let us not forget the boys who have been victimized by this same crime.

With Christ, there is a better tomorrow.

HENRY L. MCSHAN
Birmingham, Ala.

Reading the article, "Rape And Recovery: Survivors Speak Out," the words from Deveda Francois brought tears to my eyes and broke my heart, as emotions of my own abuse as a child rushed back. At 36, and 10 years of counseling, for the first time I was able to accept and understand it was not my fault. At 37, when I found out how many in my family knew and did nothing to help me, reality set in; people will not, cannot, deal with the truth of this insane sickness of hate and control of children, women and men.

Thank you, for giving your readers the myths and facts about rape.

NAME WITHHELD
Columbia, S.C.