In response, Helen told the Telegraph, "It felt like I was being punished for having the audacity to step up and say: 'I don't think this should have happened to me'…Which 25 per cent did they think I was responsible for?"

This initial turn of events is particularly upsetting because the UK has such an abysmal rape conviction rate in the first place. As we previously reported, fewer than 6% of rapes reported in England lead to convictions — and that's out of as few as 10% of rapes that are reported in the first place.

Though A CICA spokesperson's initial response to Helen's shock and disgust was "CICA makes decisions on conduct issues in good faith, based on the facts available to them in each individual case, and any applicants unhappy with the decision in their claim can ask for a review by a more senior member of staff," The Guardian reports, they've since gone back and apologized. And, according to the BBC, Helen, and the 14 other rape victims who were stiffed 25% because they had been drinking, will receive full compensation. It's a happy ending to a terrible, avoidable situation.

Rape Victims Awarded Less Compensation For Drinking Before Attack [Telegraph]
Rape Victims Told Alcohol Consumption May Cost Them Compensation [Guardian]
Rape Compensation Cut Overturned [BBC]

Earlier: The Rape Conviction Rate In Britain Is Pathetically Low

The describes a case last year in which a 24-year-old man who was convicted of raping a 10-year-old was given only 2 years in jail because the child was "dressed provocatively." There are some British officials who are trying to stem the tide of injustice. Tory leader David Cameron called for tougher sentences for rapists and according to the BBC, Cameron said, "Studies have shown that as many as one in two young men believe there are some circumstances when it's okay to force a woman to have sex. To my mind, this is an example of moral collapse." Solicitor General Vera Baird tells the WaPo that "There will never be proper female equality and appropriate dignity afforded to one-half of the population if it's possible to rape somebody and get away with it."

But then there are jerks like MP John Redwood, who think date rape should be tried differently than stranger rape because date rape isn't really a big deal. A quarter to a third of Britons apparently agree with Redwood: according to the WaPo, they think the victim is responsible for her rape if she is drunk or wearing "sexy" clothes.

It's not as if the United States is ideal, as 13% of rapes are convicted here, but Britain's conviction record is currently a national embarrassment. There have been a few positive developments in recent months: prosecutors are now allowed to interview victims prior to the case (previously, they didn't meet until the day of the trial). But these improvements are piddling when they're taking place within a larger culture that, however quietly, condones this kind of violence against women.

In Britain, Rape Cases Seldom Result In A Conviction [Washington Post]
Cameron Urges Tougher Rape Laws [BBC]

Earlier: British Politician Says Date Rape Is No Big Whoop
In British Date Rape "Adverts", Rapist & Victim Look The Same

And was refused. After which she was also denied rape kits by both the police and the George Washington Hospital. Who asks for a rape kit if they don't really, really need it? Is it naive of me to assume rape kits are not, like, anyone's idea of fun? (Uh, yeah, nevermind; Safesearch ON when Googling "speculum," guys.) It's one thing for a jury full of ignoramuses to disbelieve a rape victim, but a whole bunch of trained professionals who deal with this shit every day?

Rape Survivor Denied Treatment Because She "Appeared Intoxicated" [Feministing]