The Steve Wilkos Show Season 7 Episode 73 Rape: Guilty Or Innocent
- January 23, 2014
The Steve Wilkos Show is a reality-based talk show that deals with real-life situations and their possible solutions. In season 7, episode 73, a sensitive issue is discussed, namely, the question of whether the accused is guilty or innocent of rape. In this episode, Steve Wilkos opens the floor for a debate on the topic of rape, bringing together victims, witnesses, and experts in a heartfelt conversation that delves deep into the psychological and emotional impact of sexual assault.
The show begins with Steve asking a simple question – how do we know if someone is guilty or innocent of rape? He points out that in many cases, the truth is difficult to ascertain since there are often no witnesses to the event and only the testimonies of the accuser and the accused to go by. He stresses that the show aims to provide a platform for both sides to air their views and that it is up to the audience to decide who they believe.
The first segment of the show features a young woman who claims she was raped by her boyfriend's cousin. The woman, who is in tears, recounts the events leading up to the assault and how it has affected her life. She says she knew the man years before the alleged incident and had met him again at a party. They went back to his house where he assaulted her. She says she tried to tell her boyfriend and his family, but they did not believe her and accused her of making up stories. The accused is also present on the show, and he vehemently denies the allegations, saying that he did not touch the woman and that she is lying for attention.
During the show, Steve brings in experts to explain how the legal system deals with such cases, the do's and don'ts for victims, and how to protect them from any consequences of coming forward with their stories. The experts also answer questions from the audience, shedding light on the different types of rape, what to look out for, and how to support victims.
One of the most moving segments of the show is when Steve brings on a survivor of rape. The woman tells her story of how she was assaulted by a friend while she was in college and how it changed her life forever. She breaks down in tears recounting how she did not tell anyone for years, fearing that no one would believe her. She says that it was only after seeing other survivors speak out that she found the courage to talk about her experience. Her story inspires the audience, many of whom are themselves survivors of sexual assault.
Steve also speaks to a man who was falsely accused of rape and had to endure the trauma of having his reputation tarnished. The man explains how he was lucky to have a supportive family that never abandoned him, but that he still struggles with trust issues due to the false accusation. Steve highlights the importance of due process and how it is vital to ensure that those falsely accused are not punished, even as the actual victims are protected and justice is served.
Overall, this episode is a moving and sensitive exploration of a difficult topic. Steve Wilkos and his team navigate the conversation with empathy and understanding, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of the devastating effects of rape and the importance of supporting survivors. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking to learn more about this complex and sensitive subject.