The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I FELT compelled to write a letter to you after reading the cover story of The Tribune this morning. I, like thousands of other Bahamians, have lived in complete fear for the last week after finding out through social media and word of mouth that there was an apparent rapist or rapists on the loose in eastern New Providence. I was not told of these incidences by the police or by the media it was through word of mouth in my community. It became known to me that one of the brutal attacks occurred four houses down from me.

I felt like I could breathe a bit yesterday when I saw The Tribune's headlines that two men were arrested in connection with the string of attacks and rapes. I only feared that what if these were not the right people. The court will decide this based on the evidence, not the public.

My other fear centres around bail. I also read the statements by Mrs Loretta Butler yesterday and applaud her for blasting the police force and government's total silence on the matter. I was enraged this morning to read the statements made by Mr Greenslade and his department's choice not to make the public aware that a sexual predator was on the loose. How in good conscience could he defend such a decision?

To quote Mr Greenslade, "Measures were taken to inform those perceived to be most at risk."

I feel I was at risk - I live 1/4 mile down the road from one of the attacks. The police never informed me or my neighbours. He continued by saying that letting the public know would somehow jeopardise their investigation or harm the victims is ludicrous.

As a rape victim myself, I understand the need for privacy after such a violent crime. It is possible to give pertinent information so Bahamians can take measures without revealing names or compromising the investigation. The public must be made aware of what is happening to properly protect themselves, be more vigilant, etc. This is just insulting in my opinion.

On one hand, the police are demanding the public's help to fight this record crime wave and then they withhold information such as this? I pray for the victims in these latest incidences that their assailants are brought to justice.

In my case the attorney general's office let me down. Our judicial system is so littered with inadequacies and shortcomings that somehow I seemed to be on trial and my rapist was afforded every break in the world. Evidence was lost, misplaced or just never pursued. My rape happened seven years ago and I live to this day with the emotional wounds brought on by this and it has affected every aspect of my life.

It saddens me that in the last seven years since my rape this country and the crime rates are continuing to soar. I do not feel safe in my own home; my son cannot play freely in our backyard in broad daylight. I love my country but the crime situation is dire. Something needs to change and those in power need to start doing right by the citizens of this country. Enough of the blame. Take responsibility and start doing your job.

A RAPE VICTIM

Nassau,

June 28, 2012.