Eveyone (even The Secret Barrister) gives reasons why rape conviction numbers have collapsed whilst rape allegations have soared. But nobody seems to have worked out the answer to "that's what happened to me" is "no it didn't". So persuaded are we by media coverage that we actually do think we've been raped when somebody shook our hand. Like "friends" we've never met, the language has been debased. THAT is the real answer.

197 reads in 10 mins - and several messages saying I'm encouraging victims not to report rapes. No I'm not (simplification again; the bane of humanity this century); I'm saying that sometimes - indeed, often - mistakes, fumbles, drink, drugs, confusion leads to someone thinking they have been raped when they haven't. Especially "historically" - I think virtually ALL historical claims should be dropped before deep investigation wastes time and money like Carl Beech. Unless there is really solid proof (unusual in historical claims) - only very recent claims with forensic proof at least of clear sex. Even those are hard to get evidence of lack of consent etc and require enormous police time. We have over reacted. Yes; people behave badly (BOTH genders). Yes; drink and drugs are a major factor. But mostly - no; get over it; unless there was violence used or serious pressure, or positions misused.