Two men and two teenagers have been arrested in the December 13 gang rape of a California lesbian. Police are investigating the attack as a hate crime. According to several of the news sources reporting this, tips from local residents led to the arrests.
Word from folks I know in the local area, too (h/t Polly), is that the lesbian community has rallied to help the victim. Blogger Tata has put together a page in support of the woman, and notes there will be a rally in Richmond this Sunday, January 4 and a benefit in Oakland on January 9.
The Bay Area Reporter also notes:
Anyone with information about the Richmond case is asked to call Detective Ysenia Rogers at (510) 672-1718. A fund has been set up for the victim. To donate, send a check made payable to Community Violence Solutions to: Community Violence Solutions, Attn: JoAnn Douglas, 2101 Van Ness Street, San Pablo, CA 94806. Write “Richmond Jane Doe” in the memo line. Additionally, people who are bilingual and willing to help with door-to-door canvassing efforts can e-mail 007aileen@gmail.com for information to help with that effort.
Thank you, Dana, for helping spread the word. She’s relocating from her apartment (nearby which the attack began), and also needs to replace her car (inside of which much of it happened). Then there’s probably lost income after whatever health care coverage she has runs out, and so on.
From our local e-mail list (Bay Area Sappho), I’ve learned that she is very moved by the support she (and her partner) have received. So the emotional impact of people’s support is definitely felt. Community Violence Solutions has an online donation option. Just do note “Richmond Jane Doe” in the line where you note who it’s “on behalf of.”
Hi, I’m unable to help financially, I wish I could. Does it seem like we are having more gay hate crime lately: the guy in NY, the kid here in California that was shot, now this woman. I’m scared, I think the fight against Prop 8 has alot to do with this. It’s so sad and scary that people can have so much hate. I have nothing on my car that would identify me as gay for fear of retribution. But we have to fight and not give up.