The Brisbane Times reported that a man convicted of raping an 18 year old woman attempted to appeal the conviction by blaming the woman he raped. The court denied the appeal.
The evidence showed the rapist initially lied about having physical contact with the woman and told police he had never had sex before. The DNA evidence proved this to be a lie, so hethen claimed the rape was consensual sex.
The jury believed the woman’s testimony and the forensic evidence, and he was found guilty.
Despite this, he was still allowed to appeal the conviction, further traumatising the woman he raped. He was allowed to use rape myths against her by claiming she didn’t fight or scream and that she was intoxicated when he raped her. These claims were rejected by the jury at trial and by the judge on appeal – in the state that has Australia’s worst conviction ratefor rape.
And after all this, The Brisbane Times STILL ran a headline that restates the rapist’s debunked claim and erases the court’s finding against him.
Innocent even after proven guilty (twice)?
(as always, if you’re reading this on social media, links are in the OP at www.patreon.com/JaneGilmore )
—
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
If you would like to know more about how and why the media’s erasure of men’s violence against women occurs, the Fixed It book is out now! Buy your copy here or at any good bookstore. Extracts available on why Fixed It started inThe Guardian, rape and other violence myths in The Age/Sydney Morning Herald and the Good Guy trope on my website.
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
Djirra – Aboriginal Family Violence Response & Support Service
9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday
Ph: 1800 105 303
djirra.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
Men’s Referral Service
Monday – Friday – 8am-9pm
Weekends – 9am-6pm
Ph: 1300 766 491
www.ntv.org.au/get-help
