I posted recently about the difficulty of calling a rapist a rapist when the word rape is erased from the legislation about rape.
But when the word is still included in the Crimes Act and a man is charged with rape, why, why, WHY would you erase the word, the charge and the man from the headline?
Rape is a shocking, confronting, ugly word. It should be. It’s the word for a shocking crime. Erasing the word does not change the vileness of the act or the trauma for the victim, so what purpose was served by this change?
Why is it so easy to call “rape” a “sexual assault” and so difficult to go the other way?
This is how men’s violence against women is sanitised, minimised and erased from public view.
A man was charged with raping and assaulting one woman, and assaulting another. It’s not difficult to put that in a headline. So why wouldn’t you do it?
(If you’re reading this on social media, links are in the OP at www.patreon.com/JaneGilmore )
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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
