In yesterday's update, we highlighted the effort of Start By Believing to persuade investigators to stop using the word, "alleged." This month, End Violence Against Women International is "celebrating" 10 years of its Start By Believing campaign. UGH.
The EVAWI report, “Effective Report Writing: Using the Language of Non-Consensual Sex” contains detailed instructions how to bias the investigation:
- Beginning: "Start by believing" the account of the complainant, but not the accused, which obviously worsens the problem of "tunnel vision."
- During the investigation:
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Emphasize witness statements that “corroborate the victim’s account.” (page 6)
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Make the complainant “appear more innocent.” (page 14)
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- Investigative report:
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Use the “language of non-consensual sex” (page 15)
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Make sure the incident does “not look like a consensual sexual experience” (pages 16-17)
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But most persons will disagree with the notion that systematically biasing the investigation, removing the presumption of innocence, and causing more innocent persons to be wrongfully convicted should be cause for "celebration."