Talking about sexual assault

As news unfolds about the sexual assaults that took place at Labour’s Summer School last month, it’s time for political communities to look at how they talk about sexual assault and rape culture.

When survivors speak out

Previously posted at Boots Theory. Content note: discussion of sexual violence and the experience of survivors. Yesterday I did a round-up of the […]

All Apologies

Did commenters on the recent Julian Assange post overstep the mark in their defence of the Wikileaks founder? Are they really rape apologists?

Just say sorry John

Despite previously promising to do so John Key is now refusing to apologise to Tania Billingsley for the complete shambles that National has made of the Malaysian Diplomat issue.

Murray McCully must go

Tania Billingsley’s public comments and her suggestion that Murray McCully should resign as Minister of Foreign Affairs are cogent and compelling. For his failure to look after New Zealand’s interests and for his inept handling of issues for Tania he should resign as Minister.

Tania Billingsley’s statement

Tania Billingsley has waived her right to name suppression in the case against the Malaysian diplomat accused of attempted rape – and a Minister of Foreign Affairs who wants the finger pointed at anyone but him.

She’s spoken to 3rd Degree about it, and I think she’s a big damn hero.

“Why did you not ask?” – Apologies & culture

In its handling of the case of the Malaysian diplomat accused of attempted rape in NZ, the government has marginalised the concerns and sensitivities of the victim.  Their own arse covering was given a higher priority.  Jan Logie argued for the victim in the House today – government MP’s attacked her for it. [Update#2: the survivor of the attempted rape, spoke to Jan Logie]

National Day of Action Against Rape – today (16 Nov)

Today there are actions planned around the country in protest about the rape culture that is part of our mainstream culture.  This post and comments are in support of the day of action.  Have a good day everyone. [Update: impact on/silencing of survivors]

National day of action against rape culture: 16 Nov (&15th)

Tomorrow is A Day of Action Against Rape Culture.  There are a couple of actions starting today. Actions listed here, plus the reasons for the actions & demands/proposed solutions.  Will update with info on any further actions as they become available. [Update: warning – the discussion under this post contains some challenges to the day of action]

National day of action against rape culture: 16 Nov

Important day of action against rape culture, 16th November.  The distressing Roastbuster case set off very important discussions, in-depth examination of the issues, & possible ways to dismantle the rape culture that is embedded in our mainstream culture. [Updates of demo locations & links on-going]

Perhaps the NZ Police should do their frigging job properly!

The police have censored a satirical image of their policy towards juvenile rapists. It suggests that such outstanding citizens might make good police recruits. Based on past experience that may be the case. It has been most of a decade since the Bazley report. Less than a month since they ignored the IPCA about unlawfully breaking a kids neck at a party. Their actions or lack of them are both a subject of satire and intensely political… Stuff them. They need civilian criticism because they sure as hell don’t listen to their oversight bodies.

The sound of feet dragging: after Bazley

The police yet again apologise for the continuing support for rape culture within their ranks.  As a result, young (alleged) rape victims have been re-traumatised.  The Bazley Report recommendations should have prevented this from happening. From Key, Collins & Tolley we have been hearing the low-key sound of feet dragging.

Don’t Wring Your Hands.

The attitudes put on display by the young men calling themselves the ‘Roast Busters’ aren’t a glitch or the product of some unsavoury sub-culture. Those young men and the attitudes they hold are the product of  very long and complex processes whereby some very fucked up shit has become normalised.

This is rape culture: Steubenville verdict

Rape culture is a culture in which rape and sexual violence are common, and in which prevalent attitudes, norms, practices, and media normalize, excuse, tolerate, or even condone rape. (Thanks, Wiki!)

And if you want a really clear example of it, look no further than Steubenville, Ohio.