Rape: He Said; She Said

How often are allegations of rape actually false? Apparently, it depends on which scientific studies one wishes to believe.

While some studies document the rate of false allegations of sexual assault as one out of fifty, a 1996 study found such false reports to number one out of four. Certainly the latter, if correct, is a frightening number, but is it really accurate?

The 1996 study includes reports submitted by the families of underage girls who lied about a consensual relationship, as well as cases in which the accusation was almost immediately retracted. Perhaps even more to the point, this study included actual stranger rapes in which the wrong person was identified as the attacker.

So, just how many men are falsely accused of rape, arrested, and brought up on charges? While we may never know the actual number, it would appear to be very few.

The two supporting statements for rapists that we see most often are: "She's just trying to get even," or "She was asking for it." If any readers of this blog actually believe the latter to be a defense, please allow me to recommend a good psychotherapist.

That brings us to the Keith McGuire rape trial scheduled to begin in Lauderdale County on July 20th. In less than two weeks, twelve ordinary men and women will have to decide the fate of this former teacher from Lexington. Besides being accused of raping a 19 year-old woman when he was 30 (McGuire contends the sex was consensual), the former coach has also been accused of fondling at least four teenage students while serving as a physical education instructor at Clements School in Limestone County.

We have been aware for some time that Florence Police detective Suzanna Taylor has been looking into allegations of threats from the McGuire camp. Now the ShoalsInsider has reported Keith McGuire's mobile and land line phone records have been subpoenaed within the past few months. Authorities have not stated their reasons for looking into these records. In some instances, subpoenas are merely fishing expeditions, while in other cases these records are used to establish actual patterns of threats and intimidation.

After years of innuendo and accusations, we hope the trial will offer at least partial closure to those involved. All concerned deserve no less.


Read about the Keith McGuire rape case here.