Gloversville Rape-A Tenant’s Worst Fear

This is a horrible case of a woman raped in her apartment in Gloversville, New York by a man named Johnathon Rivera:

http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2008/dec/29/1129_rape/

Apartment rapes are so frightening because it involves a complete loss of control, free will and the utter invasion of the sanctity of our homes.  As an advocate for victim’s rights, and as a lawyer who has tried to help dozens, if not hundreds, of rape victims begin to recover their independence, I hope landlords read this blog.  They are responsible for protecting our children, our sisters, our mothers from those who are hellbent on ruining their lives.

One of the most exciting times for so many of my young female clients was moving into their first apartment.  Independence, decorating, friends over til all hours.  It is a great time.  The fears of their fathers and mothers, however, are well grounded.  Single women in apartments with lower rents that they can afford and which define their independence from parental purse strings, are like magnets for rapists and burglars.  I see it far too often but always after the fact and too late-windows without good locks, sliding glass doors that can be easily “popped” open, leasing agents who lie to their prospective tenants about crime and first floor access to our families’ children.

The destruction a rape causes to the victim, her friends, her family and a community are irreversible.  The independence is lost- The parents’ guilt insurmountable.  This need not happen in most circumstances if the landlords simply recognized the risks they place their tenants in ahead of the rewards of having a young woman sign a lease with the full backing of her parents as co-signers.

Landlords cannot ignore their responsibility by simply adding in a lease, “Your personal safety is YOUR responsibility and that of the local police department.”  Not effective, not moral and not true.

Our law firm consults with victim service agencies and victims of crime across the Country.  We are happy to help landlords and other property owners who are interested in better securing their properties before someone is hurt.  Visit our website for more information:

crime-victim-lawyers.com

Best Wishes to you and your family in 2009.  Stay safe.

Joe Taylor