I think all survivors are saddened by Crystal's story knowing all too well that posting a video plea for help on YouTube is a dangerous way to speak out. While I don't suggest another survivor taking this course of action, the good - the people who can and will help Crystal may outweigh the vacuous and uneducated responses to her video post. It certainly outweighs silence. The online outlet is just a very vulnerable place to be heard. With internet laws virtually non-existent, the post is permanent...like rape.
While it wasn't her intention to do so, Crystal opened a dialogue, not only about injustices and gaping holes in our legal system between those who want to help and are fighting for change, and those who live in a black hole. There are many, particularly our younger generations that treat message boards and postings like a video game. I hate to think of this young woman reading trash comments - they only have weight if you let them. For the survivor, they are to be ignored. For the activists and those working to break this cycle, they are a fine study in exactly where our country is in terms of knowing the facts about rape, condoning it and blaming the victim.
To Crystal: we are here for you. RAINN is here for you. You will never be alone. Our society is not into admitting that we have a problem and are in need a very dire and long overdue reality check because no one likes to talk about what we can seem to fix. Unfortunately in the court of law, it may not work out the way that it should. Take care of yourself, surround yourself with good people, and find the strength to shake off harsh criticism. That's not what this is about.
Protect your privacy and allow yourself to heal by the hands who can help you. Justice does not always come in the form of a prison sentence. It should, but it doesn't yet, so we learn, seek and form other outlets and alliances.
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