Victim traps rapist with DNA evidence

A man suspected of being a serial rapist has been arrested in Fengtai district after one of his victims persuaded him to wear a condom, thus preserving DNA evidence.

Fengtai district prosecutors said the 37-year-old, surnamed Han, is suspected of being involved in three rapes in November and December.

In the latest case, Han allegedly followed a woman surnamed Tong into her compound one night in December 2012, and abducted her at knifepoint. He dragged her to a secluded spot and tried to rape her, according to a press release from prosecutors Tuesday.

Tong was able to convince Han to go to her home, and persuaded him to wear a condom. She chatted with him to relax him so he did not notice she kept the used condom, which she handed over to police.

The suspect's face was recorded on surveillance camera footage outside, which led to his arrest when police saw him apparently aimlessly riding a bicycle in the early hours of January 10, 2013. He tried to deny the charges, but the evidence was overwhelming, prosecutors said.

Police said that Han had previously raped two women, but both victims showered after destroying evidence. He stole the two victims' cellphones, and will be charged with rape and robbery.

LüXiaoquan, a lawyer from Beijing Zhongze Women Legal Consultant & Service Center, China's first women's legal aid NGO, told the Global Times that many rape victims are reluctant to report to the police as the personal cost is too high.

"To many Chinese, being raped is a very disgraceful thing and many victims are afraid that they will be looked down on. Police can't guarantee them the criminals will not escape but if details of their cases are leaked, they may lose their jobs and friends. Most victims will not report it as the cost is too high, while the justice is still in question," said Lü.

According to Lü, Chinese law enforcement also lacks the concept of protecting the rights of those who have been raped.

"Many women shower and wash their pants after a rape as they feel they were disgraced. This, to some extent, helps the criminal to eradicate evidence, but police may refuse to register and investigate the case due to lack of evidence," said Lü.

"Also, many victims are told to recall their ordeal again and again, which causes them great suffering, and China still lacks police officers who are skilled in comforting and questioning rape victims," said Lü.