Having not posted for 16 weeks I’m going to raise a rather heavy question.
I know a woman who was raped by a work colleague. The crime was perpetrated a few years ago and was not reported to the police, but do not mistake that as indicating any doubt that it took place. The woman’s character is unimpeachable and she has had to somehow maintain a working relationship with the man. It has, of course, significantly affected her life. He has never shown any sign of remorse whatsoever.
I am not religious and so do not believe that a deity’s wrath awaits the rapist. I do hope that the universe will deliver some karmic reward, but again I don’t really believe that is how it works because too many good people suffer undeserved tragedies whilst the world’s arse-holes go unpunished.
However, I am in possession of information regarding am ongoing yet much lesser crime of his and I am seriously considering putting this information in the hands of the authorities in order to affect a little justice. This person is in a position of trust within the community and a prosecution for this lesser transgression may well have serious implications for him.
For example, his employment may be at risk. Were he to be sacked, which I suspect would be possible but unlikely, a little revenge would be served. Even the embarrassment of dealing with being caught would be satisfying to witness.
However, there are several moral issues to be raised which prevent me from taking any action.
I would not inform the rape victim because I do not think she would want me to take any action, however much she may hate the man who affected her life in such an horrific way. In that sense the revenge would be more for my gratification, although she would probably relish some bad luck befalling him.
Also, the man has dependents and if he lost his job they would be affected through no fault of their own. I would feel responsible for the consequences they might suffer.
And yet his actions should have consequences on his own life …
Myraeth.