To the editor:

We were also distressed by Judge Paula Martin’s sentencing of the two assailants in the rape of a 13-year-old girl. Judge Martin’s reasoning shows little knowledge of sexual trauma. Acquaintance or date rape is extremely traumatic, regardless of the amount of violence or the severity of threats. Acquaintance rape may undermine the victim’s sense of basic trust in people.

Instead of reassuring the girl that a crime was perpetrated, the court’s decision has publicly condemned her judgment. This sentencing has only increased the trauma by reinforcing that the authorities cannot be trusted.

Rape while intoxicated is extremely traumatic. These occurrences are difficult to resolve. Memories of her actions, cognitions and emotions may be difficult to access during therapy. This interferes with the verbal narrative, so critical to psychological resolution. Linking the substance use with the assault is wrong. If a patient goes for knee surgery and the surgeon operates on the wrong limb, the physician is at fault, not the patient for agreeing to the anesthesia. Why are we expecting more of a 13-year-old girl? Again, the ruling emphasizes the victim’s role instead of punishing the assailants.

We are disturbed by the court’s lack of information about sexual assault and its role in trauma resolution. We would like to add our support to the girl and her family. We hope your courage in bringing this assault to court will also help you through your suffering.

Dr. John R. Whipple,

Monica Soderberg,

Lawrence