Sexual Assault Is a Serious Crime

Re “Motel Sexual Assault Prompts Warning” (March 21): In the wake of such landmark cases as Mike Tyson’s rape trial and the conclusion of the (William) Kennedy (Smith) case (not to mention Anita Hill’s allegations), society is beginning to address its attitudes about sexual assault and rape.

Rape and sexual assault are violent crimes, and for too long society has looked the other way or blamed the victim. In the reporting of the motel sexual assault in Anaheim, the story said, “None of the victims was seriously hurt.” Yet a woman was sexually assaulted! Sexual assault is emotionally and physically degrading to a woman. The aftermath of such a crime can be devastating to a victim.

Pervasive attitudes that sexual crimes are not of a serious nature make me very, very angry. Media coverage should not continue to underline ignorant attitudes about rape and sexual crimes.

JULIEA SHRIVER, Mission Viejo