“Have You Lost Your Fucking Mind?”: Samantha Bee Takes On Law Enforcement Failing Rape Survivors

This post discusses rape and sexual assault.

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Sexual assault is often thought of as one of those vast, unwieldy problems with no easy solution. It’s widespread, it can be difficult to prosecute and — most often taking its roots in an entrenched system of vastly imbalanced power between men and women — its victims regularly have trouble speaking out. But, as Samantha Bee pointed out on last night’s episode of Full Frontal, it sure as hell isn’t helped by law enforcement shrugging, tossing evidence in the bin, then accusing women of lying about it.

This segment comes after the news that there are around 400,000 rape kits sitting untested in evidence lockups around the US. “Is there anything worse than putting a woman through a four-hour rape exam and then just stuffing the evidence in a closet?” Bee asks. “Of course there is.” As she goes on to note, many states are tossing hundreds of them out — an action which is supported by the current legislature.

Though there are some new bipartisan laws being drafted to address this — or, as Bee puts it, “chip away at rape evidence mountain” — they’ve since been blocked by state senators and lobby groups who claim there isn’t really a problem. Despite the fact New York recently tested 17,000 of its old rape kits and prosecuted 200 people as a result, this is a view shared by some in law enforcement.

A sheriff from Idaho, for instance, claimed most cases his department dealt with weren’t rape but a situation where “things just went too far and someone got scared”.

Here’s Bee’s great response:

“THAT’S WHAT RAPE IS. Listen you giant pink hamster foetus of a man, I’m sure the thought of heaving your ass out of that chair and actually chasing a criminal is exhausting. You can believe women are lying whores all you want when you’re off the clock, but when you’re the sheriff you have to listen to rape victims. Otherwise, when the women in your county rise up and strangle you with your own stupid monogrammed shirt, it’s going to be consensual assisted suicide, because you’re definitely asking for it.”

A reminder: one in six Australian women are survivors of sexual assault which is well above the worldwide average. Worse still: that’s a stat gathered while an estimated 70 percent of crimes are not reported to police. Sexual violence is an enormous problem — but that’s all the more reason to listen to those affected by it and do right by them.

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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.