News.com.au reports that the man accused of raping three women, and sexually assaulting a fourth woman, is having trouble coping with the possibility that there may be consequences of what I am legally required to describe as his “alleged” choice to commit rape.
That’s four women we know of so far. Four women who were able and willing to tell their stories to journalists. In the last week.
I absolutely believe all these women, however their allegations would have to be proven in court for me to say that the only part of his life that has come crashing down is his life as a serial rapist who never experienced any consequences for his choice to rape women.
However, as the allegations have not yet been proven in the courts where the conviction rate for rape is less than three percent, legally I must call him an “alleged” serial rapist.
I only had time for a quick search, but I couldn’t find any headlines about the consequences of being raped, which can include PTSD, severe anxiety, nightmares, panic attacks, self-harm, addiction, depression, inability to work or form intimate relationships, fear of being touched, and long term chronic health problems.
Maybe they’re just tucked away in the Ladies News sections of the media, where men don’t have to bother their pretty little heads with what is still persistently labelled a women’s issue*.
*97% of rapists are men.
—
FixedIt is an ongoing project to push back against the media’s constant erasure of violent men and blaming of innocent victims. If you would like to help fund it – even $5 a month makes a big difference – please consider becoming a Patron
1800 RESPECT
Sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling and support.24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ph: 1800 737 732www.1800respect.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ph: 1300 659 467
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Kids Helpline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
www.kidshelp.com.au
MensLine Australia
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1300 78 99 78
www.mensline.org.au
Child Wise National Abuse Helpline
Mon-Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
Ph: 1800 99 10 99
www.childwise.org.au
