"A Cook County judge today backed off a threat to charge an alleged rape victim with contempt of court for refusing to watch a video that reportedly depicts her being gang-raped. Judge Kerry M. Kennedy had warned the woman Tuesday she could face a contempt charge and possible jail time if she refused to watch the video prior to cross-examination by the defense."

And that, my friends, is the power of the internet at work.

AlterNet: Blogs: The Mix: Relive your rape or go to jail

This now 20 year old woman was raped while under the influence when she was 16. The guys video taped the whole thing. The judge is telling her she MUST watch the video tape or face contempt of court charges.

If you ever doubted that the reason girls seldom report rape * is because they just end up vicitimized by the legal system this story should help you see things for how they really are.

So sad. Please send an email on this woman's behalf. Especially if you live in Illinois.

* Rape is the most underreported crime in America. Significant changes to improve the treatment of sexual assault victims have occurred in the last two decades. The impact of reforms, led by the women's movement, can be seen in the legal, mental health, medical, and victim services arenas.

The FBI estimates that only 37 percent of all rapes are reported to the police. Bureau of Justice Statistics of reported versus actual rapes are even lower 30.7 percent.