False allegations of rape are rare
locally and nationally, officials say

May 4, 2006

By JOANIE BAKER
Index-Journal staff writer

With each passing week, it seems another bit of information is squeezed from the fruit that has now become the Duke lacrosse team accusations.
When a 27-year-old woman told police that she was raped and kidnapped by three team members after she was hired to dance for their off-campus team party on March 13, believers and skeptics raised eyebrows.
Then, last week, it was released that in 1996, the dancer, a mother and college student, told police she had been raped by three men in 1993 at age 14. No one was arrested.
The raised eyebrows have narrowed to furrowed foreheads as the public listens and draws opinions from lawyers pointing fingers.
But victims advocates say there are many misconceptions coming from the case that increase confusion and elevate rape myths. These ideas ultimately can be devastating to sexual assault prevention advocacy groups by undermining their message to the public, they say.
“The public discussion in the media of this case demonstrates fairly widespread misunderstandings of the real facts about sexual assault, DNA, trauma, the role of alcohol, ‘date rape drugs’ and a host of other facts,” said Monika Johnson-Hostler, executive director of the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “It shows how deeply imbedded certain myths are about this crime. Sexual assault experts and advocates have for years tried to dispel these rape myths.”
For instance, some question the accuser’s credibility after “crying” rape in the past. But Kris Burris, assistant director of the Sexual Trauma & Counseling Center in Greenwood, said multiple reports of sexual victimization are not indicators that the alleged victims are habitually making false reports. Rather, research shows, people who have been victimized in the past are at a greater risk of being re-victimized, as is the case of many of the victims who come to the STCC, she said.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, false allegations of sexual violence make up only 2 percent of the claims — the same percentage of false reports made in relation to other major crimes.
Publicity surrounding the allegations have an impact on the STCC by making it more difficult for victims to come forward based on the increased fear that they will not be believed, Burris said.
“Due to the negative stigma that is associated with sexual violence, any allegations viewed to be false will greatly impact the provision of accurate community education and appropriate and timely services to victims of sexual violence,” she said.
Because the STCC is, by nature, an advocacy agency for victims of sexual violence, Burris said the agency does not determine the legitimacy of a person’s claims.
Rather, the investigation is in the hands of law officials, who often have the difficult job of solving a crime when there is no evidence.
Greenwood Police Chief Gerald Brooks said that, in accordance with South Carolina law, people found making a false report of a felony can receive a penalty of five years in prison, a $1,000 fine and sometimes both.
Brooks said it is not a common occurrence for the police to receive false reports of rape, but it has happened.
Likewise, Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Frederick said the vast majority of reports are actually rape. He said that during his 15 months on duty, he has seen only two false cases prevail in court.
Johnson-Hostler said it is important for the public to note that alcohol use by a victim or an offender is never an excuse for sexual assault. In cases where the victim is drunk, as is alleged of the woman in the Duke lacrosse team investigation, the victim is “clearly unable to give consent,” Johnson-Hostler said.
She said she also is concerned about the misunderstandings regarding the DNA evidence in rape cases.
“The vast majority of rape cases do not have DNA evidence and, in many cases, the only identification there is comes from the identification of the perpetrator by the victim,” Johnson-Hostler said. Victims should be believed, not re-victimized by misinformation and speculations, she said, and then, let the criminal justice system judge the case.
Burris said the STCC will work harder to dispel the misconceptions by continuing to inform the public. “People see one thing and they generalize it,” she said. “So you have to work harder to make them see that it is a generalization, not an actual fact.”

Emerald downs Pendleton

May 4, 2006

By RON COX
Special to the Index-Journal

The Lady Vikings took a little while to get started, but when they did, it was easy to see why they were picked as the Upper State’s top seed in the Class AA/A girls soccer playoffs. After a half-hour delay to the start of the game, the Emerald High School girls put on a scoring clinic in an 8-2 rout of ninth-seeded Pendleton in Wednesday’s second round match at Frank Hill Stadium.
The Lady Vikings ended more than 26 minutes of scoreless play by getting four scores from four different players in a matter of 13 minutes. And then after getting one more goal right before halftime, the Region III-AA champions opened the second half by notching three goals in only three minutes.
“When you score goals one after the other, one after the other, it’s not so much to do with the way you’re playing, but the momentum of the game,” Emerald assistant coach Gary Winchester said. “When you play in the playoffs, it’s all about who wants it more.
It’s not about who scores the goals. It’s about when they’re scored.”
The Lady Vikings took the time during the 30-minute delay, which occurred as a result of bus problems experienced by Pendleton, to honor the five seniors who have been starters for virtually all four years.
With the senior night victory, Emerald now awaits the Southside Christian-Walhalla winner Friday at home.
The outcome of that contest was not known at press time.
Even though the pregame belonged to the seniors, the underclassmen did their part in sending the Lady Vikings to the third round.
Sophomores Rachel Baggett and Kayla Sears tallied two goals apiece, while sophomore Alex Bishop added a goal and an assist.
The seniors did their part as well in adding to the scoreboard. Kayla’s older sister Kasie, one of the five seniors, also chipped in two goals to go along with two assists, while Alex’s senior sister Erika added a goal and an assist. Senior Lacy Hastings had a pair of assists.
“It was good to see our quality players do their jobs, but one through 17, they all did their jobs tonight,” Winchester said.
But the big victory allowed four of the five seniors not to have to pull a full night’s work.
Thanks to goals from Baggett, Alex Bishop and Kasie Sears, all of which occurred from the 42nd minute through the 45th, giving Emerald an insurmountable 8-0 lead, the Lady Vikings were able to rest four of those five seniors for much of the second half.
“It was very good to rest them and let them get their treatments in,” Winchester said. “It helps us take steps in the right direction for Friday.”
The lone senior to play all 80 minutes was keeper Whitney Patterson, who finished with four saves.
Patterson didn’t have much to do during the first 50 minute of play

Opinion

Observations ... and other reflections

May 4, 2006

Education is always under discussion, in Greenwood and everywhere else. That should mean, then, that we are all aware of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Maybe. Sometimes, though, as often is the case, we fail to see the forest because the trees get in the way.
There hardly seems any doubt, for whatever reason, that some kids nowadays too often learn the wrong things. Society as a whole is sliding into a coarseness that detracts from the learning process, to be sure. Unfortunately, it also has a negative impact on the quality of life. In short, the things that many of our kids learn don’t always contribute to “social” improvement.
Could it be that we spend too much time and effort pushing “self-esteem,” and that “self-esteem” translates into neglect for the feelings and conditions of others?

* * * * *

One practice in South Carolina begs for attention from lawmakers. That’s payday lending. Creditable lenders are fair. Too often, though, some exploit the situation and it becomes a drain on humanity.
Many people who live below the poverty line are the ones to suffer most from this practice. They succumb to promises of quick money for emergencies, which very often leads to a pit of debt they can’t climb out of easily.
There are many such lending operations across the state. Somehow, lawmakers must apply lending regulatory laws to protect those who can and often do become victims of some who don’t play by the rules. Change that. Make laws tough enough to effect deterrents to keep violators out of the business.

* * * * *

Signs of the times ..... or navigating through life oblivious to everything all around.
It seems South Carolinians are becoming integral parts of this phenomenon. The way it looks, more of us are spending inexplicable and growing lengths of time with technology overload. It’s almost like half us us have cell phones growing out of our ears and the other half have Ipods protruding from our ears.

* * * * *

Big oil companies have a problem. No, it’s not the high price of gasoline, although that is a factor. Regardless of the reasons the prices are so high, it’s getting harder to convince the average motorist that they’re not being exploited by those “greedy” companies.
Considering the huge profits and the terrific bonuses and retirement benefits given to corporate executives, it’s likely that no matter what they say it would fall on deaf consumer ears. That, of course, adds to the problem. When we can’t or don’t listen, it precludes understanding.

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

John C. Cureton

CLEMSON, SC — John Charles Cureton, 78, husband of Evelyn White Cureton of 106 Mitchell Avenue, died Wednes-day, May 3, 2006, at Anderson Area Medical Center. He was a native of Pickens County and a son of the late James Henry and Bernice Robinson Cureton.
He was a Clemson-Calhoun High School graduate and attended Clemson University. He was an Army veteran and was manager at the Clemson University Bookstore for 34 years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Steven Cureton of Pendleton; two daughters, Lee. C. Wylie and husband, Keith, of North Charleston and Christie C. Ackerman and husband, Carl, of Clemson; two brothers, Al Cureton and wife, Beverly, of Central and Robert Cureton and wife, Betsy, of Greenwood; two sisters, Helen Smith of Sullivan’s Island and Lydia Smith of Bennettsville; and grandchildren: Justin, Matthew, Ann-Catherine and Frances Wylie and April Ackerman.
He was predeceased by his brother, James Henry Cureton, Jr.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 6, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens. The family will receive friends Friday, May 5, 2006 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central-Clemson Commons, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY

Lula Ray Campbell Garrett

Lula Ray Campbell Garrett, 77, of 1306 Yvonne Ave., died Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at her home.
Born in Newberry County, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Sara Bluford Campbell. She retired from Greenwood Mills, Harris Plant Division and was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Coronaca, the church Missionary Society and Senior Choir.
Survivors include an adopted son, Elijah Grantt Jr. of Far Rockaway, N.Y.; a daughter, Mrs. Milton (Rebecca Garrett) Sullivan of Laurens; a brother, Walter Campbell of Greenwood; two sisters, Mary Frances Brown and Catherine Young, both of Greenwood; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

Mabel Collins Perrin

Mabel Collins Perrin, 93, of 216 Tompkins St., widow of Edward Perrin, died Monday, May 1, 2006 at her home.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of the late George and Patsy Holloway Collins. She was a member of Second Damascus Baptist Church, where she was a deaconess, missionary president, former choir member and a Sunday school teacher for many years. She was also a member of Women Aid Society No. 11.
Survivors include a sister, Odessa Lee of the home.
Services are 2 p.m. Friday at Second Damascus Baptist Church, with the Rev. J.C. Wards officiating and the Rev. Leroy Robertson presiding. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are nephews.
Flower bearers are nieces.
Honorary escorts are members of Women Aid Society No. 11.
Viewing is 1-8 today at Parks Funeral Home.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at the residence.
Parks Funeral Home is in charge.

Rev. Thomas A. Sheppard

BOSTIC, N.C. — The Rev. Thomas A. “Buddy” Sheppard, 81, of 289 Old Sunshine Road, died Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at Hospice House of Rutherford County after a lengthy illness.
Born in Gastonia, he was a son of the late Bill and Bertie Galloway Sheppard. He was a Baptist minister, graduating from Gardner-Webb College with an associate of arts degree, Carson-Newman College with a bachelor of arts degree and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a master of divinity degree. He also had clinical training in pastoral care at North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Winston Salem, Dorothea Dix Hospital, Raleigh and South Carolina Baptist Hospital, Columbia. A former pastor of Clover Baptist Church, Granite Falls, Glenwood Heights Baptist Church, Lancaster, S.C., Sardis Baptist Church, Indian Trail and Providence Baptist Church, Hodges, S.C., he also served the South Carolina Baptist Convention on the general board, resolutions committee and nominating committee for executive secretary treasurer. He was a trustee for Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, Greenwood, S.C., was active with Rutherford County Department of Human Resources, Eldercare Volunteer Corps and was a district chaplain of Western Piedmont Association of Conservation Districts. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Forest City since retiring in 1984.
Survivors include his wife, Frances Williams of the home; two sons, John Sheppard of Ware Shoals, S.C., and Brent Sheppard of Morganton; four granddaughters; a brother, Roger Sheppard of Augusta, Ga.; a sister, Marie Moses of Gastonia.
Services are 3 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Forest City, conducted by Dr. Barry Keys. Burial is in Sunset Memorial Park.
Visitation is 2-3 Friday at the church.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or First Baptist Church of Forest City, 211 E. Main St., Forest City.
Padgett and King Mortuary, Forest City, is in charge.

Wallace Sutton

Samuel Wallace Sutton Sr., 65, of 3416 Callison Highway, husband of Cheryl Marie Harn Sutton, died Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at his home.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Estelle Watson

EDGEFIELD — Estelle Wideman Watson, 84, of Trinity Mission Health & Rehab, formerly of 44 Cedar Creek Road, widow of Charles Howard Watson, died Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at Edgefield County Hospital.
Born in McCormick County, she was a daughter of the late Frank Marion and Sarah Porter Wideman and a homemaker.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Clifford (Charlene) Williamson of Edgefield; a sister, Millie Edwards and a brother, Frank Wideman, both of Greenwood; and a grandson.
A private service will be at a later date. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Visitation is 7-9 tonight at Blyth Funeral Home.
The families are at their respective homes.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Mission Health & Rehab of Edgefield, PO Box 668, Edgefield, SC 29824.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com