Convicted rapist Matthew John Cook is out and about in your community.
Table of Contents
Matthew John Cook rapist
Matthew John Cook is now 49 or 50 years old. Below is the 2010 excerpt from the Bexhill Observer:
A 35-year-old man from Eastleigh, who raped a woman in her Eastbourne flat, has received a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence, according to reports.
Matthew John Cook and the visit to Eastbourne
Matthew John Cook, from Chandler’s Ford, was visiting a friend in Eastbourne in October 2008 when he decided to rape the young vulnerable woman.
Matthew John Cook faced two counts of rape, to which he entered a plea of ‘not guilty.’ He was tried at Lewes Crown Court on March 22, 2010, where he was acquitted of the first count but convicted on the second.
The Sex Offenders Registry
Matthew John Cook was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Monday morning (27 April 2010) to four and half year’s imprisonment. He was also put on the sex offenders registry.
Passing sentence, Judge Guy Anthony said:
Rape is a serious offence which always results in a custodial sentence. Matthew John Cook’s horrific attack was a serious breach of trust and left the victim traumatised.
Why males rape vulnerable women?
Rape, regardless of whether it is committed by a stranger or someone known to the victim, is about power, control, and entitlement. The dynamics of sexual violence are complex and can be influenced by various psychological, social, and cultural factors. When it comes to men raping women they know, several possible explanations can contribute to this behaviour:
Power and Control
Rape is often less about sexual desire and more about exerting power and control over another person. For some men, raping someone they know may be driven by a need to dominate or assert authority, particularly in situations where they feel entitled to sex or control over the person.
Entitlement
Some men may believe they are entitled to sex, especially in the context of close relationships like dating, friendships, or marriage. This sense of entitlement can lead them to disregard a woman’s autonomy, boundaries, or consent.
Misconceptions About Consent
In some cases, men may justify their actions by convincing themselves that their behaviour is not rape because they know the woman or because they believe the relationship justifies non-consensual sex. Misunderstandings about consent, coercion, and sexual boundaries can lead to assaults, especially if there is confusion or deliberate manipulation of these concepts.
Cultural Norms and Gender Roles
Certain social and cultural norms reinforce toxic masculinity, where men are taught that aggression, dominance, and conquest are markers of masculinity. This can blur the line between healthy sexual relationships and coercive or violent behaviour, especially if the man feels pressure to “perform” in a way that aligns with these distorted gender expectations.
History of Abuse or Violence
Some men who commit rape may have a history of abuse or violence, either as victims or witnesses in their upbringing. This trauma can shape unhealthy patterns of behaviour, including aggression or sexual violence, though it does not excuse or justify their actions.
Manipulation and Grooming
In some cases, men who rape women they know may engage in a process of manipulation, where they gradually break down the woman’s boundaries over time. This is common in cases of date rape or situations involving power imbalances, where the perpetrator may exploit the trust they have built with the victim.
Socialisation and Peer Pressure
Men may also be influenced by the attitudes and behaviours of their peers or social groups, which can normalise or trivialise sexual violence. If rape is downplayed or excused in a social circle, it may encourage someone to act violently, even toward someone they know.
Alcohol and Drug Use
While alcohol and drugs do not cause rape, they can impair judgment and lower inhibitions, sometimes contributing to situations where men misinterpret or ignore a woman’s refusal or lack of consent. However, being intoxicated is never an excuse for sexual violence.
Lack of Accountability
Many men who commit rape, especially in situations where they know the victim, believe they will not face consequences for their actions. This belief can be reinforced by cultural attitudes blaming victims or legal systems failing to hold perpetrators accountable.
Psychological Factors
In some cases, psychological issues such as narcissism, lack of empathy, or deep-seated insecurities can contribute to a man’s decision to commit rape. These factors can drive some men to engage in violent behavior as a means of asserting their perceived superiority or addressing internal psychological conflicts.
Summary
Rape is a profoundly traumatic crime driven by a complex mixture of personal, psychological, and societal factors. Men who rape women they know often exploit trust, power dynamics, and social conditioning, and they may justify or minimise their actions in various ways. It’s crucial to approach this issue with a deep understanding of consent, respect for boundaries, and the importance of addressing toxic masculinity and gender-based violence.
Please report any incidents
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.