Acknowledging rape is key step

Thank you for making Bridget DiCosmo's article "Unfounded" front-page news. The information was eye-opening. These numbers say a lot about how rape is understood and how we as a culture react to a report of rape. No one wants to believe that rape can happen in our neighborhood or to people "like us." When we acknowledge that rape does happen, we must deal with the reality rape could happen to one of us or someone in our family or neighborhood.

Rape does happen. It happens to adults and children, and no amount of denial will make it not so. Accepting the reality of someone inflicting personal harm to another makes us all vulnerable. DiCosmo's research revealed that many times reports of rape are ignored or explained as a false reports. As a society we can accept false reports easier than thinking that we live in a community of people who would harm a child or adult in such a personal way.

The numbers from around the country and state speak clearly. We must acknowledge that this happens whether we are personally involved or if, as a community, we are asked to consider that we live among those who do harm others in this way. It is through the community's response to rape that will make this a safer place for all to live.

We must be willing to make tough choices to protect those most vulnerable in our society. Thank you for providing this information.

KATHY BLEVINS, Chaffee, Mo.