Just a few weeks ago, Greg Abbott bragged about the new law that essentially bans abortion in Texas, even in cases of rape or incest – and even when the rape victim is a child. In response to direct questions from the press, Abbott made the cynical and craven claim that he would “eliminate all rapists” across Texas.
Facts and common sense say otherwise, and Greg Abbott knows it. Abbott’s real-world record shows he has neither the intention nor the ability to reduce the rate of sexual assault in Texas.
Facts Say Abbott’s Rape Record Worse than Other States
Recently-released crime data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows that Texas once again ranks higher than the national average for instances of rape and sexual assault.
Since Greg Abbott took office as governor, Texas has ranked above the national average for rape offenses. In 2019, there were nearly 15,000 reported rapes in Texas —the most of any state in the country.
And It Could Be Worse
It’s possible that the situation here in Texas under Abbott may be even worse than public disclosures show. A 2015 study by The University of Texas Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (IDVSA) reported the state has a low rate of victims reporting sexual violence to law enforcement, finding only 9.2% of victims reporting, meaning that more than 90% of assaults are unreported.
It’s all a stark reminder of Greg Abbott’s failure to protect Texans.
Sexual assault is a serious and underreported crime. Abbott using rape victims as a political dodge for his extremist policies is more than a reflection of dishonesty and incompetence. It exposes Abbott’s callous disregard for the health and safety of all Texans.
