‘Love rat’. Sounds like something from a reality TV show or a porn algorithm.
Robert Crawford is on trial for murder.
Frances Crawford is a woman who (according to the The Age) married him, left him and tried her best to maintain boundaries he persistently demolished before he (allegedly) murdered her.
This article is a report of the opening case by the prosecution. The claims made by the prosecutor are not evidence or fact. They are his summary of what he will attempt to prove during the trial. The jury might believe him. They might not.
The ‘court hears’ quote in headlines can be dangerous. Defence lawyers and prosecutors can be highly emotive and sensationalist in some parts of a trial, such as an opening statement. Other times they need to be calm and fact-based. The ‘court hears’ headline doesn’t tell readers who made the claim. It certainly doesn’t help anyone know whether it was just a claim or was actual evidence presented to the court.
All the sex and money and naughty-little-boy epithets of an opening statement might make a great sensationalised headline, but no one could call the trivialising and sensationalising of a murdered woman ethical or accurate journalism.
I get it Brisbane Times this opening statement is like catnip for journos. But just because the prosecutor is behaving like a tiny angry tabloid doesn’t mean that you have to do it too. Quotes are a choice and you had plenty of others to choose from.
Note: this case is still before the court and any commentary that prejudges the accused’s guilt or innocence can be grounds for a mistrial. Only the court can determine whether he is guilty or not guilty.
Newsletter
Sign up to my newsletter to receive updates about subscriber discounts, events and new publications by Jane Gilmore – plus a 20% discount of any book purchase.
Substack
This is where I publish long form articles (often but not always) about sexual violence, structural dangers and how we can make change.
Books
Mybooks, It takes a Village to Teach Your Children About Consent, Fixed it: Violence and the Representation of Women in the Media, and Fairy Tale Princesses Will Kill Your Children are available now with free shipping inside Australia if you purchase from: www.JaneGilmore.com/books
Podcast
The Fairy Tale Princesses Will Kill Your Children Podcast in which I invited expert guest on the show to explore agism, women’s unpaid work, consent, power and silence, and coercive control. Find out more here.
Fixed It
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
Helplines
1800 RESPECT
Sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling and support.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ph: 1800 737 732
www.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
Men’s Referral Service
Support for men who use violence and abuse.
7 days a week
Ph: 1300 766 491
https://ntv.org.au/get-help/
