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Is an apology enough?

Posted: Saturday, January 27, 2007 3:06 PM by Dateline Editor

This blog entry is excerpted from Edie Magnus' entry on May 2005.

by Edie Magnus

I am always fascinated with people who bravely make an unpopular choice based on principle.  Given the response she’s gotten from the world at large even before having her story appear on "Dateline, "I imagine that Liz Seccuro’s choice may prove to be an unpopular one.  But she has her reasons, which she puts forth powerfully and persuasively in our forthcoming report. Liz is — by virtue of what has happened to her in her life – a crusader.  And she’s one of the most effective and interesting people we’ve had the pleasure to meet.  I am certain of only one thing with this story:  one way or the other, you will likely have an opinion about her.  She is a woman about whom almost no one can remain neutral.

As our airdate approached Liz was once again on edge.  How would she “appear,” she wanted to know.  How were we portraying her?  Were people going to like her – or think she was nuts?  Even if I could have answered her (we don’t show our pieces to subjects prior to broadcast) -- I had no answers anyway.  This is one of those interesting moments when whatever you as a viewer bring to it will determine what you think of her.  For an hour on prime time television we let her make her case – and she sure makes it well.  Liz made a choice to seek justice for an act allegedly committed against her long ago.  She could have let it go, but she didn’t. Hopefully, as you watch, you’ll consider the question we pose at the very beginning of the story:  What Would You Do?

"Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" airs Dateline Saturday, January 27, 8 p.m.

Editor's note: Since the May broadcast, two weeks before his court date,  William Beebe spoke out and made a public admission, saying he "crossed a line in the standards of conduct with Liz Seccuro." He added that he "regretted that conduct immediately afterwards and since." He struck a deal and pled guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery. Under the agreement, the state recommended Beebe serve two years in prison, perhaps even less if he cooperates in a new investigation that touches on some of Liz’s unresolved fears that she addressed with Beebe in an email exchange— that he wasn't the only attacker. 

While Beebe initially told her that he remembers being the only man present, it turns out that Liz’s foggy recollection may have been right after all. In court, the prosecutor said that new evidence suggests that Liz may have been sexually assaulted that night — not just by Beebe — but by others at the fraternity party.

Now she once again has to wait for justice to take its course.

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Comments

Liz is not an innocent victim.  She needs to accept responsibility for her own actions, drinking at a Fraternity party to begin with, then not having the common sense to file an actual Police Report following the alleged event in 1984.  I have no sympathy for her and believe she needs to stop blaming everyone else for obvious psychological problems.
It's striking that people are telling Liz to just get over her rape--that she needs to forgive and that she is just bitter.  Forgiveness does not mean we let people get away with crimes.  Forgiveness is a matter for the heart.  Juctice is a matter for the courts.  These are two different things.  I applaude her courage to face and relive this crime in the courts and in front of the media.  Her willingness to talk to magazines and TV shows helps all victims of rape and sexual abuse to know that there can be juctice.
My heart aches for her but my main concern is for her daughter.  It's unfortunate that she thinks surfing is better for a rape victim then therapy.  She appears to be completely emotionally detached from life, her family, and her attacker.  That's where the real tragedy lies. No matter how long this guy serves she will not ever experience the "joy" she says she hasn't felt since the day before her attack with out help.  
I am pleased to see I am not the only one who thinks Liz is going for the limelight and  doing a terrible job at acting.  I also was raped many, many years ago and part of the healing process is to forgive.  Your not expected to forget but why bring everything up again?  There will only be one time that he will be judged for his actions and that day will come someday.  Is she being paid for the interview on Dateline and any other shows or articles that she is doing?  She just seems very fake to me.  I do give him credit for asking for forgiveness and making amends as I am also a recovering alcoholic.
Thats powerful Heather, but you are not giving victims of rape much hope are you? You did not die, God gave you life, now give yourself life. Forgive the animal, move on, be higher. God takes vengenence so we dont have to. You need to let go, only you can let go. Think of what the young women in Africa go through, they endure much worse, yet always inspire with their faith and hope.
Dear S Lewis,
Have had the same thing happen.  Forgiveness will forever be the only answer - it is what truly sets you free.  Liz wants nothing more than for people to feel sorry for her and make excuses for not living her life.  Her choice was either to forgive or not to forgive...her choice, not to forgive, is what has ruined her live...not the rapist.
Liz you would not believe how good forgiveness feels.
Liz needs to get over this event and most importantly herself. She tortured herself for 21 years over this? Please! This man has a right to feel sorry and bad for what he did. Though I think she's causing herself more harm than he ever did.
I envy Liz for getting the opportunity to face her rapist.  I was raped in '73 by a "date" who laced a joint with heroin.  My body was paralyzed but my mind was fully cognizant of what was happening to me. After it was over, he drove me back to my car and literally carried me to my car and left me there. Like Liz, I felt totally humiated, at fault.  I pretended to forget about it and let life go on.  I married the wrong man because I too was afraid I was damaged goods.  I married in '76 and didn't tell anyone about the rape until '88.  My marriage was doomed from the start.  It ended in '00.  I don't know, or have blocked out, the name of the rapist and he will NEVER be brought to justice.  Every time I had sex I had to be drunk so I could self medicate. I avoided having pelvic exams as I had flashbacks.  I finally quit drinking last year.  Although I've been able to enjoy sex for the first time in 30 years, I still don't trust any man enough to let myself go and actually have an orgasim.
Liz, I wish you the best!!!  
You know, everyone is quick to ask her, why can't she forgive and move on and feel bad for her rapist because he came clean 20 years later?  Well, are we supposed to feel bad for him if he raped another and ended up killing her in the process?  Should we forgive and feel bad for murderers too?
I believe she was raped,and she should've continued to hang in there and not allow a plea bargain. I don't believe in ANY kind of plea bargaining, for ANY crime. You are either guilty or you aren't.

Co-ed College parties should be outlawed.
I absolutely think she did the right thing. I say to all of you who say she is just looking for attention, has never been through anything like this in your life or you wouldn't be so cavalier and hateful towards her. Try being raped yourself and see how you'd respond.
I survived a rape and shooting four years ago. The criminal was sentenced to life in a Texas prison ten weeks to the day after my attack. You don't get over rape. As Liz put it, it becomes a part of you. I am so impressed with Liz's strength and happy that she sought justice, even though she had to wait over twenty years.
First off it's very unfortunate it ever happened in the first place. I give Mr Beebe credit for coming forth but it doesn't erase the fact of what he did or the knowledge he has of the rape that night(or other rapist). Unfortunately, this may open another can of worms for her. I don't know if she will ever have closer. I disagree with some of the comments stating she is doing this for the limelight but, rather proving to everyone she was in fact not making it up and clearing her name.
I feel that this is a bad decision on Liz's part. Making this such a public matter will only drag her and her family through the mud.  I agree with others that she is doing this for publicity. I was also raped and I was NOT drinking or in a house full of boys/men at the time.  If this man felt the need to contact her for her suffering then HE has felt anguish as well.  She is trying to save the "17 year old her" because she apparently hasn't grown to be a forgiving and understanding adult.  I would be forever thankful if my rapist was to contact me just to acknowledge his mistake!  I feel sorry for both parties and I feel that a story such as this is the reason people fail to come forth and apologize for the past.  
I WAS  IN 84 IN FLA AND WAS ALSO DEAD BUT I LIVED. AND YEA I WAS ABLE TO PUT IM WAY FOR LIFE........ BUT IF I DIDNT DO THAT AND WAS TOO SCARED HE BE STILL ON THE STREET DOING IT TO SOME ONE ELSE CAUSE YOU SEE I WAS HIS SECOND  VICTIM SEE HIS FIRST RAPE DIDNT WANT TO GO TO TRIAL. YEA YOU GO GIRL I GIVE YOU A LOT OF SUPPORT...... YOU GET THAT MOTHER F GUY. AND YOU PUT HIM AWAY HE HAD NO RIGHT NO RIGHT. THIS OUR BODY NOT THEIR. MY ELIZABETH BOUFFARD AND I LIVE AND MY RAPIST IS IN JAIL. IM A POWERFUL HELL WOMAN.
I am a recovering alcoholic and I feel bad for him, he his trying to do the next right thing, I think she should let it go and move on with her life.  I think she has a lot of issues...
Mack, only a man could feel the way you do.  Rape is never ok.
I think this man finally got what he deserved. I think that too many men go free when committing this crime and the women's lives are changed forever - I do think that Liz has forgiven this man and moved on with her life, but she is correct that he should have to pay for his crime. If more rapists were prosecuted many there would be less rapes! Then maybe our college campuses would be a little safer for our daughters.
 I feel it is highly insensitive to attack this woman's motives for seeking justice through the court system after 20 years.  Good for you Liz.  If man takes no action, he becomes a part of the problem.  To forgive does not mean one forgets.  I can forgive the drunk that rear-ended my car, but I will never forget that he did.  Liz lives with those memories...we don't.
I just read some of the messages that were left and I don't understand how people could sit there and judge this women so harshly.  If you have never been raped before or violated like she had been, then people shouldn't judge.
When you commit a crime, you should pay the consequences for that crime.  That's the law of the land.  Just because someone says they are sorry, doesn't mean they should be able go get away with breaking the law and violating someone.  
I dont't feel as though Liz should have to forgive this man at all.  She had to live with this for the past 21 year and she should have the chance to accuse him of the crime he commited and he should pay for that crime.  I find Liz very courageous and a very strong woman.  Justice for all is what the United States of America stands for!!!
I am a little upset by the comments posted thus far.  I think that until you can judge anyone you must walk in that person's shoes.  I have been there.  I was brutally raped, strangled and left for dead in my college apartment eleven years ago.  It does not run my life, but it has changed me.  I have had a successful career, beautiful family and a wonderful life in the years since, but that one hour changed me forever.  I can never go back to being the person I was before.  At the time I was well aware of the scrutiny and anger I would endure if I chose to pursue justice in court.  I had watched the humiliation and accusations thrown at others who had been through the same thing that I had experienced.  But I knew if I had the strength to see this through, I could help give others courage.  While my attack was not splashed across the national news it made the front page of the paper in my college town on a regular basiss.  It is humiliating and makes you feel violated all over again.  I applaud Liz's decision.  I feel it sends a message to men who push the limits that their actions may have severe consequences.  To those who have not been there it may seem just a "physical act."  To those who have, it is a emotionally damaging event that changes you forever.  Finger pointing and ridicule only encourage victims to remain silent and allow the offenders to go on to assault others.  So to Liz, I extend my respect and support.
I think she is a whiner that needs to get a life-she is enjoying this publicity way too much.  As a former rape victim, (at least from my experience over 24 years ago) yes, it was a terrible experience, but you have to...and it is possible..to come to grips and get over it!!  Live your life for yourself, and do not make yourself a victim.
i just want to know how anyone can justify wanting to see some one suffer for something they had no control over... does a child who has cancer have conrol over THAT.  DOES  ABUSED CHILD HVE CONTROL OVER THAT.  I THINK THE ANSWER IS NO.  ALSO, THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN FORGIVE...... IS GOD...
I am outraged at the response of some of the people responding to this story. I live almost in Charlottesville, virginia. I lived and worked there for over 10 years. UVA has a long history of defending their students and brushing things under the carpet. The "honor code" that the students there sign is exactly as this victim reports. It is a monkey court. It is truly a jury of the peers. If you are not someone "who is someone" often you get the shaft. Chief Longo should be applauded. He is relatively new in the area and has a very active approach to seeing that justice is at least attemped.
If the information so easily obtained after 20 years was there, why wasn't it gathered in 1984?????? Where was the UVA and their Chief Mike Sheffield then??????
The problem is not only on the campus. It also exists in the hospital as well. There are still things being swept under the rug.

My 21 yr old daughter is continuing to deal with being molested at a very young age. If someone had been truthful years ago, she would have been spared.

Our democracy was founded to strive to be equal to all people. Alot of time and effort has been put to equality in many forms. Yet, women and children are not equal. They are expected to be silent. That is ridiculous.

This victim deserves to be applauded. My thoughts and prayers are with her and kudos go for her strong spirit. I have seen people who are still going through your kind of hell and it isn't fun for them. Thank you for standing up for those in that position.

TO UVA.....SHAME ON YOU. SHAME SHAME SHAME!!!!!!!!    
With a story similar to Liz's, our daughter was also raped, and knew her assailant three years ago.  She sought help by filing a police report, going to a rape crisis center, and getting psychological help for what was determined to be Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.  The stress nearly broke her.  She almost dropped out of college, she had to be medicated.  And she tried to move on, but felt she owed society, women in particular, the responsibility to press charges, so that he would not do this again to someone else.  We did the proper things to bring him to justice.  However, the case took a few years to move forward.  In the mean-time, he e-mailed her a letter of apology, but even this did not sway the grand jury to indict him.  One of the juror's made a statement that "this is something his son would have done".  I'm thinking, what?  If your son raped a young woman, and later apologized, does that make it OK?  What is wrong with society today???
I am honestly shocked by the comments suggesting that Liz should just "get over it."  Only someone who has never experienced, or loved someone who's experienced sexual assault could make a statement like this.

As a vicit of rape, I want you all to know that no matter how much time has passed since the attack, rape will haunt you and hurt you for life.  Unless you have experienced sexual assault, you have no right to tell someone who has how they should feel!

Victims of rape deserve justice, and rapists deserve punishment.  This man committed a violent crime.  He sent her a written confession. She has every right to press charges against him.  She is not seeking attention.  She is seeking justice!
I WAS RAPE IN 84 IN FLA AND WAS ALSO DEAD BUT I LIVED. AND YEA I WAS ABLE TO PUT HIM WAY FOR LIFE........ BUT IF I DIDNT DO THAT AND WAS TOO SCARED HE BE STILL ON THE STREET DOING IT TO SOME ONE ELSE CAUSE YOU SEE I WAS HIS SECOND  VICTIM SEE HIS FIRST RAPE DIDNT WANT TO GO TO TRIAL. YEA YOU GO GIRL I GIVE YOU A LOT OF SUPPORT...... YOU GET THAT MOTHER F GUY. AND YOU PUT HIM AWAY HE HAD NO RIGHT NO RIGHT. THIS OUR BODY NOT THEIR. MY ELIZABETH BOUFFARD AND I LIVE AND MY RAPIST IS IN JAIL. IM A POWERFUL HELL WOMAN.
What is this childlike woman trying to accomplish? It seems that she loves to be in the lime light even if it affects her parents. It's too bad she chose to go to a Fraternity House, drink and take off with two men. They were all young, most of us like to forget the bad things that happen to us, but she seems to like to dwell on this. How Sick!  Her husband needs to step in and stop her and get her some visuable Psychiatric help. How assahmed her daughter will be to hear of this when she grows up, and the teasing and undeserved judgement she will get. What kind of a mom is she! How do we really know that she was raped? Edie was drinking too, maybe he doesn't remember exactly what happend. God Bless him for his honesty. God help this woman forgive and finally forget! If she can't forgive, God will not forgive her either. The poor choices we make when we are young, but they are OUR choices!
I just watched the case on Date line just now and i completely agree with Liz's decisions. Once you commit a crime, as rape is for this matter a simple apology isn't enough. He has to face the charges  and he has to pay for what he's done, Because what does this tell others who commit crimes? That it's wrong to do it but as long as you admit to it that you're free of all which you've done? I'm sorry but this man raped her and he can apologize all he wants but he should know that by apologizing that he isn't free from what he did. She isn't at fault one bit for doing every thing that she chose to do because of what this man did she had to deal with this for 20 years.
What is wrong with this woman? The man was young and stupid and like a lot of young men, they do stupid things. It sounded like it bothered him enough to write her and wanted her forgiveness. She could have done that and left it at that. The bible does say " those without sin, cast the first stone". My daughter was killed by a boyfriend and I knew that I had to forgive him and let God handle it. Otherwise, I would have went years with bitterness in my heart, and it would only have hurt myself. By the way, I was raped also when I was young, but I did not let it rule my like.
I am flabbergasted!! How on earth can ANY of you write about Liz the way you did -- "made-for-tv-movie," "Liz needs to get a life," "Neocon Bushie with a mix of Hillary Clinton whoa-is-me type hate." First of all, Dateline makes Liz "pose" "that way" so their show will produce either sympathy or revulsion. The ignorance of ALL the above posters makes me want to vomit! Just who the hell do you think you are??? That man RAPED a woman and was NEVER made to PAY for his FELONY CRIME!!!!! What a tremendous joke for one poster to claim Liz wanted publicity, fame, or attention -- do any of you actually know what vultures the media is??? THEY found her story and produced this "made-for-tv" program. So, what - is Liz just supposed to bow her head and say, "Gee, I'm so sorry, Mr. Beebe, that your rape of me caused you to spiral down even further in your life than you had already plummeted. Please forgive me for being your rape victim." You people make me sick! You either are penis-wielding fascists or full-of-themselves women who have expressed absolutely NO COMPASSION for a scared 17-year old who was RAPED (i.e., AGAINST HER WILL) and sought to report this FELONY CRIME to the proper authorities.  Shame on all of you!  May you NEVER have to experience a rape, be disbelieved about the act, and then raped again by strangers who haven't the foggiest friggin clue about how that poor woman has lived her life!!!!!  May God have mercy on YOUR souls!!!!!
What is wrong with you people? If you have never suffered through a rape or other heinous crime, how can you judge her behavior? I thank God I've never experienced anything as horrible as what this woman went thru, and I can't imagine what goes thru her mind. How dare you accuse her of being a phony or a publicity hound! Most states have a statute of limitations for rape charges, and since most victims are too scared and vunerable to seek medical or investigative help, they suffer in silence. Even an apologetic rapist, is still a RAPIST! Good for Ms. Securro for trying to seek justice after all these years, for moving on with her life and helping others to heal. Rape cannot be "just a physical act" when the pschological ramifications are so great. Shame on you for thinking that a rapist is taking the high road because he apologized. If what he did was so regrettable, why didn't he confess 23 years ago? Why didn't he make amends soon after he joined AA? Why did he wait until years after? I hope and pray none of you expereience anything as horrible as this crime, but maybe if you did, you would far more empathetic.
One of the earlier respondents said it perfectly.  Liz is intent on grabbing all the publicity she can get; she feeds on the attention.  What an  acting job!  No wonder she wondered how she would appear on the Dateline story.  I have no problem with a guilty party paying for crimes committed, but this one could have been handled without it appearing in People and on Dateline.  She is a most unlikable person, and I can't imagine having to live with her.
I applaud Liz for what she has done.  It must have been heart-wrenching decision.  As a Christian, I believe in forgiving people and being forgiven; however God does not shield us from earthly consequences of our actions.  If this man truly had been repentant, after his revelation of trying to make amends with people, he would have turned himself into local authorities before Liz had to bring it to the police, herself.  That's like a murderer apologizing to the family of the victim, and expecting to not go to jail for the actual murder.  That is completely selfish.  Rape is a crime, a felony.  I think people sometimes forget that rape is a very violent, physical, brutal, bloody act.  Again, we see the double-standard of blaming the victim, and that "she should just get over it."  What a mess our society would be if we, the people, accept only an "I'm sorry" for acts such as these with no follow-up jail time for someone who CONFESSES to a crime?  I am a college co-ed currently, and my heart breaks for those going through this on any campus, and are afraid to come forward and be treated like Liz was at UVA.
He should be punished,  I was raped too, 20 years ago. We have to deal with it for the rest of our lives.  While the men that raped us look at it as an other notch on their head board.  Young, drunk, drugs or what ever is not an excuse,  these men know what they are doing!!!    
TO: BRENDDA HOLFERT of Austin, Tx..................
...........................................................Did you actually watch the program ???

Edie Magnus was the interviewer not the rapist, His name is Will Beebe.. Try downloading the show and watching it...
Shame on you Dateline.  What a waste of my time.  I want the time I spent watching this story back!  Perhaps you can interview me.  I'm a victim too.  I watched this ridiculous interview with a really back actress.  
As I watched Dateline tonight I could still see the anger which envelopes Liz.  I am so sorry for her that she may still carrying this anger.  To Liz I say, Thank you for being so brave as to say what I would guess to be,  I am mad as hell and I am not letting this go.  Angry women get things done.  Certainly the women who wrote above have not a clue as to the suffering of women in the past and today in other countries as well as our own back yard.
That being said, I implore Liz to do all that it takes to get past this as quickly as possible.  Liz, you are not living a full life if you are living with this anger.  This means that not only do you suffer but all around you suffer as well, yoour daughter, husband, family, all. Come out of your ego, and build your spirit now. See Dr. Phil, Oprah or who ever it will take to let you see that you have to get rid of this horrible anger that still keeps you driven.  It is time to pass the burden on.  Let it Go!  Know that you did enough......
I completely agree with the decision Liz made. Why should she or anyone even question if she made the right decision. She was the victim! Those who commit crimes of violence need to realize that there is a consequence for their poor choices. As for Liz, forgiveness is the beginning of the healing process, but in no way is bringing the accuser to justice a lack of forgiveness.  Thank-you Liz for standing up for what was right!
PONDER THIS:
A man is walking down the street, slightly intoxicated, just having left a party. He is heading towards his home. He sees an old friend; they stop and make small talk. Suddenly the old friend says, “Hand me your wallet”. The man is shocked because he knows this person and is confused why he would suddenly behave in such a demanding manner. He says “No”, but the old friend is taller and heavier and appears to mean business. The old friend does not have a gun or knife, yet the man is frightened. He protests but does not fight or scream because he is so frightened. He is unable to escape the situation. The old friend takes his wallet and runs off. A crime has just been committed. The police have no problem arresting the old friend for stealing. After all, he did not have the man’s consent to take the wallet. No one questions if the crime is due to the man’s slight intoxication. No one questions if the man should have fought and screamed. No one questions if a crime has been committed.

Then, later that night,

A woman is walking down the street, slightly intoxicated, just having left the same party. She is heading towards her home. She sees an old male friend; they stop and make small talk. Suddenly the man says, “I want to have sex with you.” The woman is shocked because she knows this person and is confused why he would suddenly behave in such a demanding manner. She says “No”, but the man is taller and heavier and appears to mean business. The man does not have a gun or knife, yet the woman is frightened. She protests but does not fight or scream because she is so frightened. She is unable to escape the situation. The man sexually assaults her and runs off. A crime has just been committed. The police do nothing even though the man did not have the woman’s consent to take liberties with her body. Everyone asserts that the crime is due to the woman’s slight intoxication. Everyone questions why the woman did not fight and scream. Everyone questions if a crime has been committed. Why?
**************
We do not talk openly about rape because the very idea of a man forcing himself onto a woman is revolting. The only rapes that seem to be prosecuted are the ones where a stranger breaks into a house or a woman is found dead and raped in a field. When "acquaintance rapes" occur, people assume that the woman must have done something to cause it to happen. These people are confusing rape with sex; that false assumption is the way they ease their conscience when they choose not to hold the man accountable and responsible for his actions. No other crime is handled this way. No other crime victims are treated this way.


I would love to be able to pose the question Why? to my rapist. My rapist was my brother, so I get to always have him on the outskirts of my life. I feel Liz was given an incredible opportunity and I applaud the courage and dignity she showed in confronting this man.
Liz spoke of the many emotions I too have felt and continue to feel. I know my life was forever changed one fateful night. Thank you Liz for sharing your story.
You go girl!!!! Unfortunatly I am in Massachusetss and we don't have any surfing here, otherwise I would take her up on the "surfing for survivors"!
I cannot imagine the terror, pain, and torment of a completely innocent 17-year-old girl who is raped, perhaps by more than one rampaging male. I can easily imagine her desire for justice no matter how long it takes. Being a drunk does not excuse his crime.
My daughter was raped during her sophomore year at UCF in Orlando Fl . Although she will not discuss this
incident or report it to the police, I have seen the change in her. She is fearful and overly concerned about her relationships with everyone, I see her as afraid to trust anyone. This is not the child I raised before this time, she has suffered an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression. I think Mrs. Seccerro is a very brave and intelligent person. It is ironic that my daughter applied to UVA for under grad. and I encouraged it - UVA is an incredible insitution but I feel that the college life is not what it was when I was younger. How dare the Beebe person ( and I use the word lightly) rationalize his barbaric actions. What has happened to our society. I am a high school teacher -the men of this generation treat women with very little respect in general. This is very disheartening, we women have to take the lead as the primary women in young boys life and teach them to respect women, be good men,husbands and fathers. Something is wrong with a society that thinks the "Victoria Secrets"(which are mearelystrip shows) ads on TV are ok and that rape is not a serious crime. Bravo Liz if more women speak out this will stop!!  
"I'm sorry" is not NEARLY enough to compensate Liz for what she has had to live with all these years. If you have not had a situation of this sort happen to you, then you couldn't come CLOSE to imagining the shame, disgrace and hurt that accompanies it. How many other girls did this man "need to apoligize" too? It he got away with this now, how many more could there be? I think HE is the one acting and I would be willing to bet that others will come forward with cases against him after this. Rape is rape no matter how you dice it and a 17 yr. old girl DOES NOT know how to handle that. Yes, she should have kept on back then and had him put away but circumstances at such a young age sometimes prevent a young woman to know what to do. I think anyone who thinks this abuser should walk free needs to think about the fact that this could have happened to them or their daughter. Believe me, it is HARD to come forth when you know people are looking down on YOU, the victim. It is hard to have others not believe you. This man is a violent disturbed human being and I don't care how much alchohol he had consumed, he knew what he did or he wouldn't have remembered it enough to write to her 20 years later! My goodness, how could anyone think he should walk free with no punishment for it? Yes, she seems cold and matter of fact...why the hell would she NOT??? This man RAPED her and admitted it. So some people think he should walk? NO. NO. NO. Rape is a crime of VIOLENCE not of sex. If he is not punished...basically, he got away with it..apology or not. She is absolutely right for pressing charges. Good for you girl if you read these posts. There are MANY of us who cheer you on! Forgive, maybe. But let a rapist go free....NEVER.
I think RAPE is rape whether it happened 20 years ago or yesterday , those who are judging her don't have a clue what her life has been like unless they too have walked in her shoes. I don't think she would have put her family through this unless she has been honestly haunted by this for her entire life.I could not be in her shoes because I am one who holds things in and remembers things forever.I would not have the restraint she has to meet with him I would want revenge for my life.With all the sexual crimes rising so fast in this country it is ashamed more individuals do not get the opportunity she got to finally seek justice.Continue your battle !!
Shame on everyone who wrote in berating Mrs. Seccuro for putting a rapist into jail.  Shame on NBC and Dateline for portraying her in the negative manner that they did.  This society spends so much time blaming women for an atrocious act that men routinely commit against them.  Mr Beebe did a noble thing by coming forward, absolutely, but in no way does that free him of a criminal charge.
I admire Liz's courage and determination.  She was a child at 17. How dare these men continue to this day raping these children 'just for fun' at frats all over America.  Thank you Liz for coming forward, and please continue the fight for your own daughter.  If this had happened to my daughter at 17 yrs. old, I'd have gone to jail for his murder.
Once again, it is the victim who is on trial in a rape case.  I thought this was 2007??? These incredibly stupid attacks on Liz is exactly why women are still afraid to report rape in this country. Shame on every one of you!
let it go Liz!22 years and your still wallowing in poor me. He apoligized and I"M SURE HAD A BETTER RECOLLECTION OF WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT OVER YOURS.


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