People who defend themselves against property crimes tend to be exonerated, if not commended, by the legal system and by juries (if it gets that far). Women who defend themselves against rape may face more difficulties. Judges, who no doubt thought they were being adorable, have been quoted calling rape “assault with a friendly weapon” and “assault with failure to please” (Har-har). It is usually accepted that burglars and muggers pose a real threat, and have not dropped over to get subway directions, but sometimes women are treated as if they solicited, desired, or enjoyed the attentions of rapists and would-be rapists.
