But can we also call it victim claiming when you put your neck on the block? Strolling around in shady places wearing a suit and Rolex and Ray Bans and uhh...more expensive things at midnight isn't exactly the safest thing to do. Of course, it's not your "fault" you got mugged but should you have even been there to begin with? Know your own limits and environment. Don't get blackout drunk. Don't take drugs. Don't walk in a dark Detroit alley at any time of day. Don't go outside. Don't wake up. Basically don't live.
I'm all for investigating the cases thoroughly and not immediately assuming a rape cry is real. There have been far too many cases with women who claimed they were raped to get revenge. But victim blaming is a whole another level. "Hurr durr you shouldn't have dressed like that." What is this, the Middle East where you get raped because it's a punishment for not wearing a burqa? Hell naw. Rapists don't care about what you're wearing, they're people who are clearly fucked up in the head, they won't judge your fashion choices. "Hurr durr you shouldn't've gotten drunk." That point is a bit more valid because drunk people often do stupid shit, including sleeping with someone and regretting it later. That's not rape because both parties were most likely drunk. But willingly exploiting the fact that someone went out to have a good time, giving them more and more drinks and then leading them away from their friends and sleeping with them? That is just wrong.
At the same time, suggesting a person should arm themselves, learn from the mistakes of others, and/or be cautious in public shouldn't count as victim blaming.
Also, women aren't the only people vulnerable to assault. It could happen to anyone.
I'll agree that police shouldn't factor it into the charges filed, but it may be relevent to keep all of the circumstances on file if the perpetrator is free or a repeat offender. As for your second point, that's kind of a defense attorney's job.
Defense attorneys have to grasp at every little straw they can to get the client as little punishment as possible, regardless of whether they're innocent.
Every. Little. Straw.
Also, women aren't the only people vulnerable to assault. It could happen to anyone.
Every. Little. Straw.