The whole thing is messy and awful, for sure. But when the crucial element of the crime is in the mind (intent) as opposed to in the rest of the evidence (because sex is often alleged to have been consensual), I don't know how any allegation could be said to be true or false. In fact, I suspect in some cases both parties are being perfectly honest -- one party wanted sex, one party didn't, and with a culture that has eroticized the overcoming of protests, man, you have a potent situation for misunderstanding and grief.

Because of those issues, I do think we have to continue to step up the efforts to creat clear communication around sexual activity. No has to mean no, even if you think it means yes, and even if she thinks no means yes. Eventually, maybe, we can get to a place where everyone is clear about their expectations. That won't resolve matters involving genuine liars, of course, but it would imrpove the climate, no?