Social Systems vs. Rape Victims

When looking at Campbell's article through the conflict theory, it is easy to link together the three social systems talked about in this article (legal, medical, and mental health) and put them as a competing group against the rape victims. More specifically, what the victim wants to get out of these social systems versus what these social systems will offer them. Each of these systems show on the surface that they are readily available for a rape victim, but after reading this article it seems that they are only there to assist a victim if their case falls into what fits best for them. In each case, the social systems are the dominant group with the victims being dependent on them to receive support.

If a rape case doesn't contain certain criteria (use of a weapon, not knowing the rapist, and not being under the influence of alcohol), then it is often seen that these cases are ended in a way that opposes what the victim wants. The police hold the power in that they can decide whether or not to even pass a case further on to the prosecutors. So how can this the police benefit from this kind of discrimination? You would think that the more cases that went through prosecution, the more they would be seen as doing better at their job. But when they hold the very power of deciding which cases should be taken further, thus fitting into the victims desired outcome, they have power over every rape victim. The victim is now dependent on the legal system to receive protection, whether they get it or not.

The same goes for the victims receiving help from a mental health institution. The victims that show more outward acceptance to help will be the ones given the most help. It kind of seems that the cases that show from the beginning to have a positive ending are the ones that are given the most attention. The victims that don't fall into conformation with what the mental health system sees as ideal are faced with either receiving help from loved ones who most likely will not have the training needed to help the victim, not receiving help, or conforming into the "good victim" behavior to receive the help they need. Once again the social system holds the power over the victims.

The medical system could potentially be the most detrimental of all if service is denied to a rape victim. Rape can lead to STDs, unwanted pregnancies, and other bodily injuries that could cause instant or future damage. Many victims are still in a state of shock and don't know what processes needs to be taken to make sure they are alright. If certain antibiotics or knowledge is withheld from a victim, it could affect them long term. But in the end, it's the medical system that holds the tools needed to properly care for a rape case. The victim will always be reliant on the medical system.

I think this quote can sum up how the conflict theory would look at these social systems versus rape victims: "When certain characteristics of the victim, the assault, and the community are in careful alignment, the likelihood of an outcome that is consistent with the victims needs is most probable."