By Veeda Ware
Since basketball star Kobe Bryant was charged with sexual assault on July 18, the media has scrutinized both him and his alleged victim.
All 25 years of Bryant''s career and family life are plastered in the news for the public to judge. The 19-year-old girl from Eagle, Colo. who charged him with sexual assault also struggles with ambiguity.
Public attention to the high profile case may produce a negative backlash for victims of sexual assault.
'Anytime a women gets beat up in the press about reporting a rape, it makes other victims think twice,' said Susan Chasson, chair of Utah Valley Sexual Assault Task Force.
'What happens to a women during this experience is incredibly embarrassing,' Chasson said. 'With the public being curious about every detail, it can give other victims hesitation.'
Chasson examines forensic evidence for sexual assault patients in Utah Valley.
She said victims who report a sexual assault must go through a three-hour full body examine including detailed questions involving the incident.
'The questions that are asked are very sensitive,' Chasson said. 'The last thing the victim wants to do is re-live the nightmare, but we need to know every detail for evidence.'
Chasson said both positive and negative experiences will affect the way people live.
'Sexual abuse is a tragedy,' Chasson said. 'Like getting in car accident, something happens and you crash and it hurts. Those who survive are shaken forever. Just like car accident survivors are hesitant of vehicles, sexual assault victims are afraid of people.'
Chasson said nationwide, only 1 out of 10 rapes are reported.
Pat Mills, a prevention education specialist, said 1 out of 3 women and 1 out of 7 men will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime.
Mills said only 2 percent of rapes that are reported are false, which is lower than the amount of false auto-thefts and robberies reported.
Mills works in the Sexual Assault Service department for the Center for Women and Children in Crisis.
'A victim of rape experiences a range of different emotions immediately after the assault,' Mills said. 'They are in shock, disbelief. They feel shame and guilt. They will think ''What did I do wrong?'' They feel they could have done something to prevent it.'
Mills said women constantly think of ways to prevent sexual assault.
'We check to see if we lock all of our doors,' Mills said. 'We don''t walk into a parking lot at dark by ourselves. We dress conservatively so we don''t look approachable. We do all these things for prevention, and when someone does get assaulted, we assume they weren''t being cautious.'
Mills said people will blame the victim for being assaulted instead of the rapist.
'We point fingers and say, ''Oh, she''s stupid she shouldn''t have gone up to his room,'' or ''She''s loose, she sleeps around,''' Mills said. 'It doesn''t matter how many men someone has slept with, her sexual history doesn''t give us reason to say she deserved what was coming for her.'
Mills said victims of sexual abuse often times feel alone.
'They are unsure of themselves,' Mills said. 'They feel guilt, like they could have prevented it. Often times their friends and family members encourage that thought.'
Mills said support is important for victims. She said the Center for Women and Children offers free services for victims of abuse.
'With rape cases involving popular or well-known people, it is hard for the victim to feel support,' Mills said.
She said the community will often shun the victim for bringing the town celebrity or popular figure into the spotlight.
'They are outraged that their beloved hero could be given a bad name,' Mills said. 'The will then attack the victim and treat them badly. When people see this reaction, they would rather let a crime go unreported than live through this disaster.'
Nikki Fowles, a resident from Eagle, Colo. lives down the street from the alleged victim. She said she has known the girl for years and having the rape case so close to home is frightening.
'My daughter went to high school with her,' Fowles said. 'We''ve been in music productions together in the community. It''s a shock to have this happen to a sweet young girl you know.'
Fowles said she doesn''t feel the community is supporting the alleged victim and those who do keep quiet.
'Her mom has asked us not to say anything,' Fowles said. 'She doesn''t want her daughter''s life to be picked apart by the public.'
Fowles said she supports the alleged victim''s privacy. She said she has given her notes of encouragement to let her know she is in her prayers.
'People are acting all crazy over this,' Fowles said. 'She and her family have received multiple death threats and their house was broken into. She''s going through a lot.'
Fowles said even the district attorney has received death threats.
'I bet the poor girl wishes she hadn''t said anything now,' Fowles said. 'Her life has been turned upside down because of this incident. But if it did happen, it should be reported. No one should be scared out of telling the truth.'