Joanne Tosti-Vasey

No Honor for Baugh: Statement of Pennsylvania NOW

He blamed a 14-year-old for her rape. A young woman who died by suicide before the sentence was handed down. And then after blaming the victim, he gave the rapist a 30-day sentence in jail! These actions occurred in Yellowstone County (Billings), Montana in August 2013. We and the nation were outraged at this victim-blaming,…

NOW Statement on Cyberbullying and KDR

Statement made by Joanne Tosti-Vasey representing PA NOW at the Window of Opportunity Rally & March on March 25, 2015: Once again, Pennsylvania State University (PSU) has garnered a national demerit in the public’s view due to allegedly inappropriate sexual misbehavior. We’re concerned that this mistreatment of women continues to happen in the PSU community.…

The Rape Myth Problem Within the Judicial System

“She asked for it.” “She didn’t say no.” “She really meant ‘yes’ when she said ‘no.’” “She looks older than her chronological age.” “She [a minor] was as much in control of the situation as the defendant [her teacher when he raped her].” “Well, you know, this wasn’t this forcible, beat-up type rape.” “Even though…