The RiotAct reported that a man who pled guilty to raping a woman after he robbed her at knifepoint was sentenced to 4 years jail (2 years, 4 months non-parole).
The man was described as a “truckie”, what a nice, friendly word for a rapist.
Despite the headline, the article says the judge found the motive for the robbery was financial, but the rape was “opportunistic”. In other words, he though he could get away with it, so he chose to rape her. He did not rape her because he was under financial stress, or because he is a poor sympathetic victim of anything. He raped her because he chose to commit a violent, terrifying crime against a woman. The report also says that before “he left, he made her give him her phone and deleted her call log and message history.” But after he was caught and charged he was, apparently, remorseful.
Rapists do not need journalists to make excuses for them. They have enough help with that in the legal system.
_
If you’re reading this on social media, links to all the articles are on the post on my website: www.JaneGilmore.com
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 737 732
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/
