Search

To tackle gendered violence, we also need to look at drugs, trauma and mental health

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/siobhan-odean-1356613">Siobhan O'Dean</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lucinda-grummitt-1531503">Lucinda Grummitt</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steph-kershaw-1466426">Steph Kershaw</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> After several highly publicised alleged murders of women in Australia, the Albanese government this week pledged <a href="https://ministers.pmc.gov.au/gallagher/2024/helping-women-leave-violent-partner-payment">more than A$925 million</a> over five years to address men’s violence towards women. This includes up to $5,000 to support those escaping violent relationships. However, to reduce and prevent gender-based and intimate partner violence we also need to address the root causes and contributors. These include alcohol and other drugs, trauma and mental health issues. <h2>Why is this crucial?</h2> The World Health Organization estimates <a href="https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/341604/WHO-SRH-21.6-eng.pdf?sequence=1">30% of women</a> globally have experienced intimate partner violence, gender-based violence or both. In Australia, <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/partner-violence/latest-release#key-statistics">27% of women</a> have experienced intimate partner violence by a co-habiting partner; <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37004184/">almost 40%</a> of Australian children are exposed to domestic violence. By gender-based violence we mean violence or intentionally harmful behaviour directed at someone due to their gender. But intimate partner violence specifically refers to violence and abuse occurring between current (or former) romantic partners. Domestic violence can extend beyond intimate partners, to include other family members. These statistics highlight the urgent need to address not just the aftermath of such violence, but also its roots, including the experiences and behaviours of perpetrators. <h2>What’s the link with mental health, trauma and drugs?</h2> The relationships between mental illness, drug use, traumatic experiences and violence are complex. When we look specifically at the link between mental illness and violence, most people with mental illness will not become violent. But there <a href="https://theconversation.com/bondi-attacker-had-mental-health-issues-but-most-people-with-mental-illness-arent-violent-227868">is evidence</a> people with serious mental illness can be more likely to become violent. The use of alcohol and other drugs also <a href="https://theconversation.com/alcohol-and-drug-use-exacerbate-family-violence-and-can-be-dealt-with-69986">increases the risk</a> of domestic violence, including intimate partner violence. About <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/understanding-fdsv/factors-associated-with-fdsv">one in three</a> intimate partner violence incidents involve alcohol. These are more likely to result in physical injury and hospitalisation. The risk of perpetrating violence is even higher for people with mental ill health who are also <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1525086/">using alcohol or other drugs</a>. It’s also important to consider traumatic experiences. Most people who experience trauma do not commit violent acts, but there are <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(23)00075-0/fulltext">high rates</a> of trauma among people who become violent. For example, experiences of childhood trauma (such as witnessing physical abuse) <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359178915000828?via%3Dihub">can increase the risk</a> of perpetrating domestic violence as an adult. Early traumatic experiences can affect the brain and body’s <a href="https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-017-0895-4">stress response</a>, leading to heightened fear and perception of threat, and difficulty regulating emotions. This can result in aggressive responses when faced with conflict or stress. This response to stress increases the risk of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9675346/">alcohol and drug problems</a>, developing <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30798897/">PTSD</a> (post-traumatic stress disorder), and <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-17349-001">increases the risk</a> of perpetrating intimate partner violence. <h2>How can we address these overlapping issues?</h2> We can reduce intimate partner violence by addressing these overlapping issues and tackling the root causes and contributors. The early intervention and treatment of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-019-0728-z">mental illness</a>, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1541204020939645">trauma</a> (including PTSD), and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2015.06.001">alcohol and other drug use</a>, could help reduce violence. So extra investment for these are needed. We also need more investment to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212657023000508">prevent mental health issues</a>, and preventing alcohol and drug use disorders from developing in the first place. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S074937972200023X?via%3Dihub">Preventing trauma</a> from occuring and supporting those exposed is crucial to end what can often become a vicious cycle of intergenerational trauma and violence. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/070674371105600505">Safe and supportive</a> environments and relationships can protect children against mental health problems or further violence as they grow up and engage in their own intimate relationships. We also need to acknowledge the widespread <a href="https://store.samhsa.gov/product/practical-guide-implementing-trauma-informed-approach/pep23-06-05-005">impact of trauma</a> and its effects on mental health, drug use and violence. This needs to be integrated into policies and practices to reduce re-traumatising individuals. <h2>How about programs for perpetrators?</h2> Most existing standard intervention programs for perpetrators <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1524838018791268">do not consider</a> the links between trauma, mental health and perpetrating intimate partner violence. Such programs tend to have <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0012718">little</a> or <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101974">mixed effects</a> on the behaviour of perpetrators. But we could improve these programs with a <a href="http://rcfv.archive.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/MediaLibraries/RCFamilyViolence/Reports/RCFV_Full_Report_Interactive.pdf">coordinated approach</a> including treating mental illness, drug use and trauma at the same time. Such “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014976341930449X?via%3Dihub">multicomponent</a>” programs show promise in meaningfully reducing violent behaviour. However, we need more rigorous and large-scale evaluations of how well they work. <h2>What needs to happen next?</h2> Supporting victim-survivors and improving interventions for perpetrators are both needed. However, intervening once violence has occurred is arguably too late. We need to direct our efforts towards broader, holistic approaches to prevent and reduce intimate partner violence, including addressing the underlying contributors to violence we’ve outlined. We also need to look more widely at preventing intimate partner violence and gendered violence. We need developmentally appropriate <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-things-our-schools-should-do-now-to-help-prevent-gender-based-violence-228993">education and skills-based programs</a> for adolescents to prevent the emergence of unhealthy relationship patterns before they become established. We also need to address the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7278040/">social determinants of health</a> that contribute to violence. This includes improving access to affordable housing, employment opportunities and accessible health-care support and treatment options. All these will be critical if we are to break the cycle of intimate partner violence and improve outcomes for victim-survivors. <hr /> The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/229182/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/siobhan-odean-1356613">Siobhan O'Dean</a>, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lucinda-grummitt-1531503">Lucinda Grummitt</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steph-kershaw-1466426">Steph Kershaw</a>, Research Fellow, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-tackle-gendered-violence-we-also-need-to-look-at-drugs-trauma-and-mental-health-229182">original article</a>.

Caring

"I was terrified": Law & Order star reveals traumatic past

Warning: This story contains graphic content. Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson, a character that investigate rapists on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has revealed that she too is a victim of sexual assault. The actress opened up about her traumatic past in a powerful essay written for <a href="https://people.com/mariska-hargitay-experience-rape-renewal-reckoning-8424247" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People Magazine</a>, where she revealed that she was raped by “a friend" when she was in her thirties. "A man raped me in my thirties," she bravely revealed in the essay. "It wasn’t sexual at all. It was dominance and control. Overpowering control." The actress revealed that he was a friend who "made a unilateral decision" and recalled the fear she felt when the incident occurred. "He grabbed me by the arms and held me down. I was terrified," she said. "I didn’t want it to escalate to violence. I now know it was already sexual violence, but I was afraid he would become physically violent. "I went into freeze mode, a common trauma response when there is no option to escape. I checked out of my body," she recalled. Hargitay, who is the daughter of the late actress Jane Mansfield, said that she never thought of herself as a "survivor", and often "minimised" what happened to her when she talked about it with others. "My husband Peter remembers me saying, “I mean, it wasn’t rape," she wrote. "Then things started shifting in me, and I began talking about it more in earnest with those closest to me. They were the first ones to call it what it was." The actress said that she wants other survivors to feel "no shame" about sexual assault and wants "this violence to end." She added that justice "may look different for each survivor," but for her she wants "an acknowledgment and an apology" after what happened. "This is a painful part of my story. The experience was horrible. But it doesn’t come close to defining me, in the same way that no other single part of my story defines me," she concluded, adding that she feels for all sexual violence survivors. "I’m turning 60, and I’m so deeply grateful for where I am. I’m renewed and I’m flooded with compassion for all of us who have suffered. And I’m still proudly in process." Hargitay started her own foundation, the Joyful Heart Foundation, in 2004 to help survivors of sexual assault. Image: Getty

Caring

"It was a relief": Rebecca Gibney opens up on mental health struggles

Rebecca Gibney has revealed what a "relief" it was to finally open up about the mental health struggles she faced from 14 to 30-years-old. The New Zealand actress, 58, said she spent a lot of that time "pretending" she was okay despite growing up around domestic violence, as her mother suffered from abuse in the hands of Gibney's late father, Austin. In an interview with Stellar on Saturday, the Packed to the Rafters star shared that she is "loving" how mental health is now being framed. “When I started talking about my mental health struggles and anxiety ... it was a relief,” she told the publication. “I could drop the mask of pretending that I was OK. What I’m loving seeing is that more and more people are now going, ‘I’m not OK’”. Gibney first opened up about her struggles in 2017, when she opened up about the abuse her mother faced and how she was “beaten so badly she had bruises for six months on her legs. “She’d always shut the doors ... you’d hear the yelling and the shouting and the slapping, but you’d never actually see it," she told Women's Day, at the time. After Gibney's father died in 1982, the actress began seeing a therapist, but was "on Valium and in a dark place for quite a while”. In her latest interview with Stellar, Gibney also added that more needed to be done to prevent domestic violence and help survivors. “We still don’t want to talk about it. We need to really drill down (and question), ‘Why is this happening?’ We need more education, more centres," she said. “We need people to be able to get the help they need.” Images: Instagram

Mind

London police receive even older Russell Brand sexual assault allegation

London police have announced that they are investigating a sexual assault allegation involving British comedian and actor Russell Brand. This revelation comes in the wake of media reports that have emerged, detailing accusations <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/bbc-responds-to-damning-russell-brand-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made by four women against Brand</a> for incidents that allegedly occurred between 2006 and 2013, including a rape allegation linked to his Los Angeles residence. Brand, known for his comedy and acting career, has vehemently denied all allegations, asserting that all of his sexual relationships were consensual. The comedian gained fame as a commentator on the reality show Big Brother and subsequently played significant roles in Hollywood films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall in 2008 and Get Him to the Greek in 2010. He was also briefly married to singer Katy Perry. In recent times, Brand has gained prominence as a political commentator and video blogger, although some of his content has featured COVID-19 conspiracy theories and misinformation regarding vaccines. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxOooOsIGXd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxOooOsIGXd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Russell Brand (@russellbrand)</a> </div> </blockquote> The police announcement specifically referenced a new allegation stemming from an incident in central London's Soho neighbourhood in 2003. The Metropolitan Police stated that they are in contact with the woman who made this allegation and are providing her with support. They have also reached out to The Sunday Times and Channel 4, urging anyone who believes they have been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and report it. In response to these allegations, three of Brand's former employers, including the BBC, Channel 4, and Banijay UK production company, have initiated their own investigations into the claims. Consequently, Brand's upcoming stand-up performance at the Theatre Royal Windsor, scheduled for Tuesday, has been cancelled, with tour promoters announcing the postponement of additional shows in light of the ongoing situation. Talent agency Tavistock Wood has severed ties with the comedian, citing feeling "horribly misled" by him, and Bluebird publisher has decided to "pause" future collaborations with Brand. Image: Instagram

Legal

Hallucinations in the movies tend to be about chaos, violence and mental distress. But they can be positive too

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christopher-patterson-308185">Christopher Patterson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicholas-procter-147517">Nicholas Procter</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Hallucinations are often depicted in the movies as terrifying experiences. Think Jake Gyllenhaal seeing a monstrous rabbit in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246578/">Donnie Darko</a>, Leonardo DiCaprio experiencing the torture of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/reel-therapy/201002/shutter-island-separating-fact-fiction">Shutter Island</a>, Natalie Portman in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0947798/">Black Swan</a>, or Joaquin Phoenix as the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/oct/21/joker-mental-illness-joaquin-phoenix-dangerous-misinformed">Joker</a>. Each character experiences some form of psychological distress. Scenes connect to, or even explain, a decline into chaos and violence. Experiencing hallucinations can be distressing for some people and their loved ones. However, focusing solely on such depictions perpetuates myths and misconceptions about hallucinations. They also potentially perpetuate harmful stereotypes of mental distress. Movies such as Joker use a broad, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/oct/21/joker-mental-illness-joaquin-phoenix-dangerous-misinformed">arguably incorrect</a>, brush to connect hallucinations, mental health issues and violence. This reinforces the misconception that hallucinations always indicate mental health issues, when this is not necessarily true. <h2>What are hallucinations?</h2> Hallucinations are perceptions that occur without a corresponding external stimulus. They can involve any of the human senses. Auditory hallucinations involve hearing things that aren’t there, such as voices or sounds. Visual hallucinations involve seeing things that aren’t there, such as lights, objects or people. Tactile hallucinations involve feeling things that aren’t there, such as a sensation of something crawling on your skin. Gustatory hallucinations involve taste and smell. People often confuse hallucinations and delusions. The two can be related, but they are not the same thing. Delusions are false beliefs, firmly held by a person despite evidence to the contrary. A person might believe someone is following them (a delusion), and see and hear that figure (a hallucination). Before the 17th century, hallucinations were commonly thought to be of <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00991/full">cultural and religious</a> significance. However, between the mid-1600s and 1700s, hallucinations began to be understood as medical concerns, related to both mental and physical illnesses. This medical lens of hallucination remains. Now we know which <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2702442/">parts of the brain</a> are activated when someone has a hallucination. <h2>What causes hallucinations?</h2> Hallucinations can be a sign of serious mental health issues. The presence or experience of hallucinations is, for example, one of the criteria used to <a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM-5-Schizophrenia.pdf">diagnose schizophrenia</a> (delusions are another). Hallucinations may also provide insight into mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. However, hallucinations can also be linked to other medical conditions. Hallucinations can be caused by fever, as well as disease or damage impacting the brain or <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-charles-bonnet-syndrome-the-eye-condition-that-causes-hallucinations-122322">optic nerves</a>. Parkinson’s disease causes visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7116251/">in up to 75% of people</a>. Epilepsy and migraine headaches are also linked to hallucinations, and can cause perceptual disturbances, sometimes for days. Substance use, particularly of <a href="https://theconversation.com/weekly-dose-ayahuasca-a-cautionary-tale-for-tourists-eager-to-try-this-shamanic-brew-73953">hallucinogenic drugs</a> such as LSD or ketamine, can also cause hallucinations. Hallucinations can also occur in people without any underlying medical conditions. For example, some people may experience hallucinations during times of <a href="https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/46/6/1367/5939754">extreme distress or grief</a>. Environmental factors such as <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00303/full">sleep deprivation</a> can cause a range of perceptual disturbances, including visual and auditory hallucinations. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4354964/">Sensory deprivation</a>, such as being placed in a soundproof room, can also cause hallucinations. But still, the common image that hallucinations are connected only to mental health issues persists. <h2>Hallucinations can be frightening, but not always</h2> Hallucinations can be frightening for people, and their families. And the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0020764016675888">stigma</a> and misconceptions surrounding hallucinations can have a significant impact on someone who experiences them. People who have hallucinations may be afraid or embarrassed of being considered “bizarre” or “unsafe”, and therefore may avoid seeking help. But hallucinations are <a href="https://www.intervoiceonline.org/voices-visions/voices-as-a-gift">not always scary or disturbing</a>. Some hallucinations can be neutral or even pleasant. People have been sharing on social media their positive and empowering experience of hallucinations. In the example below, we see one person’s positive experience of hearing voices. Yet we rarely see such depictions of hallucinations in the movies. <hr /> <iframe id="tc-infographic-853" class="tc-infographic" style="border: none;" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/infographics/853/9f702c4fefadeb810f9d64d7b4512b39a655a262/site/index.html" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <hr /> <h2>How to support someone having hallucinations</h2> If you are with someone who is having hallucinations, particularly if these are new or distressing for them, here are several ways you can support them: <ul> <li> ask the person if they want to talk about what they are experiencing and listen to them without judgment: “I cannot hear what you are hearing, can you tell me about it?” </li> <li> <a href="https://tuneinnotout.com/videos/r-u-ok-ask-experts-nicholas-procter/">listen</a>. Don’t argue or blame. Acknowledge that hallucinations are real to the person, even if they are seemingly unusual and not based in reality: “I cannot see what you see, but I do understand you see it.” </li> <li> empathise with how the person feels about their experiences. “I cannot feel or taste it, but I can imagine it would be a difficult experience. I can see how much it is concerning you.” </li> <li> support someone to seek care. Persistent or distressing hallucinations should always be evaluated by a qualified health professional. Establishing potential causes is important: “I cannot hear it like you, but let’s talk to a health professional about it. They can help us understand what might be happening.” </li> <li> encourage the person to <a href="https://www.intervoiceonline.org/national-networks#content">reach out to their peers</a> as well as to <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01612840.2023.2189953?src=recsys">hearing voices groups</a> for ongoing support. </li> </ul> We’d like to acknowledge <a href="https://www.nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au/staff-profile/tim-heffernan">Tim Heffernan</a>, Deputy Commissioner of the Mental Health Commission of New South Wales, who contributed to this article. If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christopher-patterson-308185">Christopher Patterson</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicholas-procter-147517">Nicholas Procter</a>, Professor and Chair: Mental Health Nursing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/hallucinations-in-the-movies-tend-to-be-about-chaos-violence-and-mental-distress-but-they-can-be-positive-too-204547">original article</a>.

Caring

Don’t blame women for low libido. Sexual sparks fly when partners do their share of chores – including calling the plumber

When a comic about “mental load” <a href="https://english.emmaclit.com/2017/05/20/you-shouldve-asked/">went viral in 2017</a>, it sparked conversations about the invisible workload women carry. Even when women are in paid employment, they remember their mother-in-law’s birthday, know what’s in the pantry and organise the plumber. This mental load often goes unnoticed. Women also <a href="https://theconversation.com/yet-again-the-census-shows-women-are-doing-more-housework-now-is-the-time-to-invest-in-interventions-185488">continue to do more housework</a> and childcare than their male partners. This burden has been exacerbated over the recent pandemic (homeschooling anyone?), <a href="https://theconversation.com/planning-stress-and-worry-put-the-mental-load-on-mothers-will-2022-be-the-year-they-share-the-burden-172599">leaving women</a> feeling exhausted, anxious and resentful. As sexuality researchers, we wondered, with all this extra work, do women have any energy left for sex? We decided to explore how mental load affects intimate relationships. We focused on female sexual desire, as “low desire” affects <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743609520307566">more than 50% of women</a> and is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091302217300079">difficult to treat</a>. Our study, published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2022.2079111">Journal of Sex Research</a>, shows women in equal relationships (in terms of housework and the mental load) are more satisfied with their relationships and, in turn, feel more sexual desire than those in unequal relationships. <h2>How do we define low desire?</h2> Low desire is tricky to explore. More than simply the motivation to have sex, women describe sexual desire as a state-of-being and a need for closeness. Adding to this complexity is the fluctuating nature of female desire that changes in response to life experiences and the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160630-the-enduring-enigma-of-female-desire">quality of relationships</a>. Relationships are especially important to female desire: relationship dissatisfaction is a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18410300/">top risk factor</a> for low desire in women, even more than the physiological impacts of age and menopause. Clearly, relationship factors are critical to understanding female sexual desire. As a way of addressing the complexity of female desire, a <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-018-1212-9">recent theory</a> proposed two different types of desire: dyadic desire is the sexual desire one feels for another, whereas solo desire is about individual feelings. Not surprisingly, dyadic desire is intertwined with the dynamics of the relationship, while solo desire is more amorphous and involves feeling good about yourself as a sexual being (feeling sexy), without needing validation from another. <h2>Assessing the link</h2> Our research acknowledged the nuances of women’s desire and its strong connection to relationship quality by exploring how fairness in relationships might affect desire. The research involved asking 299 Australian women aged 18 to 39 questions about desire and relationships. These questions included assessments of housework, mental load – such as who organised social activities and made financial arrangements – and who had more leisure time. We compared three groups: <ul> <li>relationships where women perceived the work as equally shared equal (the “equal work” group)</li> <li>when the woman felt she did more work (the “women’s work” group)</li> <li>when women thought that their partner contributed more (the “partner’s work” group).</li> </ul> We then explored how these differences in relationship equity impacted female sexual desire. <h2>What we found</h2> The findings were stark. Women who rated their relationships as equal also reported greater relationship satisfaction and higher dyadic desire (intertwined with the dynamics of the relationship) than other women in the study. Unfortunately (and perhaps, tellingly), the partner’s work group was too small to draw any substantial conclusions. However, for the women’s work group it was clear their dyadic desire was diminished. This group was also less satisfied in their relationships overall. We found something interesting when turning our attention to women’s solo desire. While it seems logical that relationship inequities might affect all aspects of women’s sexuality, our results showed that fairness did not significantly impact solo desire. This suggests women’s low desire isn’t an internal sexual problem to be treated with <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/yoni-eggs#:%7E:text=Yoni%20eggs%20are%20egg%2Dshaped,bacterial%20infections%20and%20intense%20pain.">mindfulness apps and jade eggs</a>, but rather one that needs effort from both partners. Other relationship factors are involved. We found children increased the workload for women, leading to lower relationship equity and consequently, lower sexual desire. Relationship length also played a role. Research shows long-term relationships are <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-018-1175-x">associated with</a> decreasing desire for women, and this is often attributed to the tedium of over-familiarity (think of the bored, sexless <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBq-Nyo0lQg">wives in 90s sitcoms</a>). However our research indicates relationship boredom is not the reason, with the increasing inequity over the course of a relationship often the cause of women’s disinterest in sex. The longer some relationships continue, the more unfair they become, lowering women’s desire. This may be because women take on managing their partner’s relationships, as well as their own (“It’s time we had your best friend over for dinner”). And while domestic housework may start as equally shared, over time, women <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/women-spent-more-time-men-unpaid-work-may">tend to do more</a> household tasks. <h2>What about same-sex couples?</h2> Same-sex couples have <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/fare.12293">more equitable relationships</a>. However, we found the same link between equity and desire for women in same-sex relationships, although it was much stronger for heteronormative couples. A sense of fairness within a relationship is fundamental to all women’s satisfaction and sexual desire. <h2>What happens next?</h2> Our findings suggest one response to low desire in women could be to address the amount of work women have to take on in relationships. The link between relationship satisfaction and female sexual desire has been firmly established in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-018-1175-x">previous research</a> but our findings explain how this dynamic works: women’s sense of fairness within a relationship forecasts their contentment, which has repercussions on their desire for their partner. To translate our results into clinical practice, we could run trials to confirm if lowering women’s mental load results in greater sexual desire. We could have a “housework and mental load ban” for a sample of women reporting low sexual desire and record if there are changes in their reported levels of desire. Or perhaps women’s sexual partners could do the dishes tonight and see what happens. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-blame-women-for-low-libido-sexual-sparks-fly-when-partners-do-their-share-of-chores-including-calling-the-plumber-185401" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Relationships

“This is disgusting”: Mural for murdered women defaced with graffiti

A street artist has been captured painting over a mural depicting the names and photos of women murdered across Australia in acts of domestic violence. The mural, plastered on Melbourne’s famous Hosier Lane, depicts some of the almost 80 women killed since the start of 2023, and the locations they died around Australia. The mural also shows the alarming statistics of domestic violence across Australia in data compiled by The RED HEART Campaign - an ongoing memorial project dedicated to tracking the known women and children killed in acts of gendered violence. The mural was painted in the lane on International Women’s Day (March 8th), and was defaced just 10 days later. An unknown street artist was captured on video spray painting over the women’s faces, with the words “13 WOLF 69” covering most of the mural, as the beginning of a large orange text covering the southeast corner of the map. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> When murdered women are erased for the second time! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/femicide?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#femicide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shematters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shematters</a> <a href="https://t.co/TYpLQFmpCx">pic.twitter.com/TYpLQFmpCx</a> — Sherele Moody (Femicide Researcher) 🌈 (@ShereleMoody) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShereleMoody/status/1636880510269128705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a></blockquote> The video, posted by the campaign founder Sherele Moody, then pans slowly to capture the artist still spraying the wall with orange paint – what seem to be the finishing touches to the large piece that stretches for metres toward Flinders Street. “That’s more important, that’s lovely,” someone can be heard sarcastically saying in the footage. “That’s not even art!” Sherele captioned the video as an example of “when murdered women are erased for a second time”. “The dude could have moved his scribble a few feet and not painted over the faces of murdered women,” she added. “The Lane is pretty big – there’s room for all of us!” Supporters of the campaign immediately reacted in disgust to the “selfish, heartless artist”, with many saying the disregard for the mural really “hurts”. “What the actual f,” one woman wrote. “This is disgusting. This is about murdered women and a memorial. When did we become so disrespectful.” While most of the backlash was in support of the advocates, others questioned whether the artist was even aware of what he had done or was partially covering. Others simply said it was the harsh nature of Melbourne’s internationally renowned street art culture. Image credits: Twitter

Art

Victims of child sexual abuse react to Cardinal Pell's death

Victims of childhood sexual abuse have shared their reactions to the news of the death of Cardinal George Pell. Pell, who was previously convicted for historic sex crimes, died at age 81 in Rome on Wednesday after complications from hip replacement surgery. Phil Nagle, who was assaulted by a priest at the age of nine, said bluntly, "He's certainly burning in hell right now." "I'm glad he's passed on," he told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/reaction-to-cardinal-george-pells-death/33dd1fd4-fb5a-4fd0-9cba-54da4d4de15b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. Nagle went on to say he believed Pell "was a liar and a protector of paedophile clergy". "(He) had plenty of opportunities during his lifetime to try and redeem himself," he said. "It's a bit of a shame he's taken the secrets to the grave." Victims advocate Helen Last said she "felt really numb" when she heard about Pell's death. "It's a tragedy of great proportions. There's so many survivors in Victoria still who have not been able to come forward about alleged abuse by him, on them," she said. "I personally believe on the basis of evidence that George Pell has been involved in a network of sexual offending clergy that goes right back." Sex abuse victim Michael Advocate said his shed weren't of sorrow when he heard about Pell's passing. "He was a terrible, terrible human being that just damaged so many child sex abuse victims, including me," Advocate said. "There's so many of my fellow sufferers, you know … he got off so lightly. I hope he really gets justice." "If there is a God, dear God may he be forthright in his punishment." Despite an onslaught of similar comments from members of the public who stand with Pell's accusers, famous friends of the Church were quick to share their sadness over the Cardinal's death. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, a Catholic and staunch Pell supporter, described the cardinal as a "saint" and compared the sexual abuse charges that effectively ended his ecclesiastical career to "a modern form of crucifixion". Reacting to Abbott's statement on Instagram, former 7News Melbourne host Jacqui Felgate summed up the anger felt by Pell's critics with a brutal, three-word response. "Beyond the pale," she wrote. Many of Felgate's followers agreed, with former Bachelor star Matthew Johnson saying, "This is absolutely abhorrent and really puts into perspective what type of person [he is]." Image credits: Getty Images

News

Brittany Higgins speaks publicly for first time since dropped charges

Content warning: This article includes mentions of sexual assault. Brittany Higgins has spoken publicly for the first time since the charges of sexual assault were dropped against Bruce Lehrmann due to concerns about her mental health. The former Liberal staffer took to social media with her statement about the trial, noting that “the outcome does not affect the truth”. “I chose to speak up,” she began. “To speak up against rape. To speak up against injustice. To speak up and share my experiences with others. “I told the truth - no matter how uncomfortable or how unflattering - to the Court. The outcome does not affect the truth. When I did speak up, I never fully understood our asymmetrical criminal justice system. “But I do now.” Higgins, who testified and was cross-examined during the initial trial while Lehrmann wasn’t, continued to describe the impact of taking sexual assault allegations to court and how alleged offenders aren’t impacted to the same degree. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CluKsquhqme/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CluKsquhqme/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brittany Higgins (@brittanyhiggins___)</a> </div> </blockquote> “I was requested to tell the truth under oath over a week on the witness stand and was cross-examined at length,” she continued. “He was afforded the choice of staying silent in court. Head down in a notebook, completely detached. “He never faced one question in court about his story or the criminal charges.” She added that surrendered her phones, passwords, photos and other data to the court, a requirement Lehrmann was not made to comply with. “My life was publicly scrutinised, open for the world to see. His was not,” she wrote. Higgins also addressed the scrutiny the media faced for initially referring to the trial as the ‘Higgins trial’, saying that she didn’t blame the media “because to me it is very obvious who is on trial”. “He hasn’t had to be publicly accountable - for his actions of any part of his story,” she continued. “This is the reality of how complainants in sexual assault cases are treated. “Their lives are torn apart, their families and friends called to the witness stand and the accused has the legal right to say absolutely nothing. “Like all women who experience sexual violence, I knew the odds were stacked against me from the outset.” She went on to address the imbalance in Australia’s legal system, citing statistics that said only 16 percent of sexual offences reported to police in the ACT during 2020 led to a charge, with only half of that 16 percent resulting in a conviction. “That is to our national shame,” she wrote. “I want to thank the other women who came forward and shared their own experiences. “I believe you. You were with me every day I walked into that courtroom and faced him.” Higgins also went on to thank those who attended the March 4 Justice rallies, journalists “who helped amplify the issue” and mental health workers, “without whom, I literally would not be here today”. Her statement comes a week after the charges against Lehrmann were dropped and a retrial set for next year was scrapped. The initial trial, which began in October, ended with no verdict due to juror misconduct. If you or someone you know is in need of support as a result of sexual assault or child contact LifeLine on 13 11 14 for immediate support or call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. Image: Getty Images

News

“This brings this prosecution to an end”: Charges dropped against Bruce Lehrmann

The trial of Bruce Lehrmann over allegations he raped Brittany Higgins has come to an end, after new evidence was presented showing that the “ongoing trauma” of the trial was an unacceptable risk to Ms Higgins. Shane Drumgold, the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), said on Friday that he had reviewed new medical evidence and made the “difficult decision” to file a notice declining a retrial. “I have recently received compelling evidence from two independent medical experts, that the ongoing trauma associated with this prosecution presents an unacceptable and significant risk to the life of the complainant,’’ he said during a press conference. “The evidence makes it clear this is not limited to the harm of giving evidence in the witness box, rather applies whether or not the complainant is required to re-enter the witness box in the retrial. “Whilst the pursuit of justice is essential for my office and the community, the safety of a complainant in a sexual assault matter, must be paramount. “In light of the compelling independent medical opinions, and balancing all factors, I have made the difficult decision that it is no longer in the public interest to pursue a prosecution at the risk of the complainant’s life. “This has left me no other options but to file a notice declining to proceed with the retrial of prosecution, which I have done this morning. “This brings this prosecution to an end.” Mr Drumgold said that the investigation and trial has resulted in “a level of personal attack” against Ms Higgins that he hadn’t seen in his 20-year career. “She has done so with bravery, grace and dignity, and it is my hope that this now stop; that Miss Higgins now be allowed to heal,” he continued. Mr Drumgold noted that DPP policy states that the decision to prosecute should be made “after due consideration”, shouldn’t be a light or automatic process, and that it can be understood as occurring over two stages. “First, does the evidence offer reasonable prospects of conviction?” he said. “If so, is it in the public interest to proceed with a prosecution? “This is a view I still hold today.” The first trial ended in late October, with the jury being dismissed and no verdict given after a juror brought research material into the courtroom. Lehrmann had pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent, with his lawyers telling the court that no sexual activity took place. The second trial was due to commence on February 20, 2023. The decision to drop charges against Lehrmann comes after it was revealed that Mr Drumgold was seeking “urgent” legal changes to ensure that Ms Higgins’ evidence could be played in court during a retrial to avoid her taking the witness stand again. Under current legislation, there was uncertainty as to whether a recording of Ms Higgins’ cross-examination could be used in the retrial. The proposed changes would allow sexual assault complainents who give evidence in open court - like Ms Higgins did - to have their evidence played to the jury in the same way that it would be if complainants in remote locations are recorded. It comes amid criticism of the criminal justice system and courts over the re-traumatising experience sexual assault survivors undergo while giving evidence. In a study conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology, they noted that giving evidence in court can be traumatic and stressful for a number of reasons. “The need for victims to confront the person alleged to have assaulted them, the difficulties of talking about the circumstances surrounding the assault and the embarrassment of being questioned in public about sexual matters can make committals and trials highly traumatic experiences for victims,” they <a href="https://www.aic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-05/rpp068.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>. “In the event that a mistrial occurs or the matter is referred for a further hearing at appeal, the trauma is exacerbated because the complainant is required to go through the entire process again. “Such a prospect may not only discourage sexual assault victims from being willing to give testimony, but may also discourage victims from reporting the sexual assault to police in the first place.” They found that jurors presented with evidence face-to-face, through CCTV footage, or in a pre-recorded video weren’t being affected by the mode of evidence on their perception of the survivor or when making decisions. Images: Getty Images

Legal

Neighbours star facing sexual assault charge

Content warning: This article includes discussion of sexual assault. Former Neighbours star Scott McGregor has been charged with one count of sexual assault after a night out at a popular Melbourne pub. McGregor, who played police detective Mark Brennan on the soap from 2013 to 2020, was charged in relation to an incident at St Kilda’s Hotel Esplanade, or ‘Espy’, on Sunday, February 20. The <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/scott-mcgregor-charged-over-incident-at-a-st-kilda-bar/news-story/df4b8b360ec09602c462f9a5f5101b2d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald Sun</a> reported that McGregor was charged by detectives from the Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Investigation Team last week. The 41-year-old actor and model will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in January in relation to the charge. Despite his lengthy stint on Neighbours and appearance in 940 episodes, fans were disappointed when he didn’t appear on the show’s final episode in July, which saw the return of many of the show’s alumni. The star, who has also appeared in Underbelly, Offspring, and Winners & Losers, lives in Melbourne with his wife Bianka and two children. Image: @scottymcgregor (Instagram)

Legal

“She could’ve been protected that day”: Gabby Petito’s family files lawsuit

The family of Gabby Petito, whose boyfriend admitted to killing her last year, have launched a wrongful death suit against Utah’s Moab Police Department, claiming officers’ negligence led to her death. Ms Petito and her boyfriend Brian Laundrie were stopped by officers in Moab last year after a bystander allegedly saw Mr Laundrie hit Ms Petito and reported the incident to police. The couple were ultimately not cited for domestic violence, and Ms Petito’s body was found weeks later after she had been strangled. On Thursday local time, Ms Petito’s parents and other family members announced their intent to sue the department for $US 50 million ($NZ 85 million). The suit claims that police officers failed to effectively intervene in a domestic violence situation between Ms Petito and Mr Laundrie by failing to issue a domestic violence citation, claiming that officers disregarded signs of violence they should have been trained to notice. “She could’ve been protected that day,” Nicole Schmidt, Ms Petito’s mother, said. The suit also claims that police officers “coached Gabby to provide answers that the officers used to justify their decision not to enforce Utah law", with the family claiming that officers “egregiously misinterpreted Gabby’s extreme emotional distress, seeing it as the cause of the domestic violence rather than its result”, per AP. “Despite the witness’s report, the officers treated Brian as if he were the victim of domestic abuse rather than the perpetrator,” the lawsuit reads, per Fox News. “In fact, the officers never directly questioned Brian about whether he hit Gabby or how she ended up with scratches on her face. “The purpose of this lawsuit is to honour Gabby’s legacy by demanding accountability and working for change in the system to protect victims of domestic abuse and violence and to prevent such tragedies in the future.” Moab police officer Eric Pratt is also alleged to have been “fundamentally biased” in his investigation by “choosing to believe Gabby's abuser, ignoring evidence that Gabby was the victim and intentionally looking for loopholes to get around the requirements of Utah law and his duty to protect Gabby", The family’s complaint is based on the claim of an unnamed woman referred to as “Witness 1”, who alleged that Officer Pratt threatened to kill her after their relationship ended while he was the police chief in the rural town of Salina, Utah. In a statement after the lawsuit was filed, the city of Moab said Ms Petito’s death was tragic but not the fault of the police department. "Our officers acted with kindness, respect and empathy toward Ms Petito," city spokesperson Lisa Adams said. "No one could have predicted the tragedy that would occur weeks later and hundreds of miles away, and the City of Moab will ardently defend against this lawsuit." In a statement, the Moab Police Department said the 22-year-old’s death was a “terrible tragedy” that no-one could have predicted. “The death of Gabrielle Petito in Wyoming is a terrible tragedy, and we feel profound sympathy for the Petito and Schmidt families and the painful loss they have endured,” it read. “The death of Gabrielle Petito in Wyoming is a terrible tragedy, and we feel profound sympathy for the Petito and Schmidt families and the painful loss they have endured. “The attorneys for the Petito family seem to suggest that somehow our officers could see into the future based on this single interaction. “In truth, on August 12, no one could have predicted the tragedy that would occur weeks later and hundreds of miles away, and the City of Moab will ardently defend against this lawsuit.” The suit comes after a notice of claim was filed in August, and after an independent investigation found that police made “several unintentional mistakes”, including not issuing a domestic violence citation, in January. Image: Instagram

Legal

"Sad, old menacing coward:" Grace Tame reports childhood abuser to police

Activist Grace Tame has revealed she continues to be harassed by the man who abused her as a child, having reported him to the police for “targeted harassment” online. Ms Tame was 15 when she was groomed and raped by her maths teacher Nicolaas Bester, who then bragged about his crimes online while she was unable to speak out due to Tasmania’s “gag law”. Her legal fight to change the laws, which prevent sexual abuse victims from publicly identifying themselves, as part of the #LetHerSpeak campaign, saw Ms Tame pushed into the public eye and recognised for her efforts when she was named the Australian of the Year. But, on Wednesday the 23-year-old said she was “still dealing with open threats and harassment from the man who abused me and others”. “This has been my reality for 12 years now, behind closed doors for my family and me,” she wrote on Twitter. She also shared screenshots of tweets appearing to be from Bester, where her childhood email is referenced and he threatens that “he is coming to show all too (sic) you”. In one message dated April 27, Bester uses her email address and writes, “at last I shall come for [email address]..... in good time…..”. In another, posted on August 28, he uses her email address again, writing that “the good old comeuppance on its way” with “only 4 weeks to go!!”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This has been the reality for 12 years now, behind closed doors for my family and me. Mark my words, I am not going anywhere though. — Grace Tame (@TamePunk) <a href="https://twitter.com/TamePunk/status/1564185208882352128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote> “Here he is, the twice-convicted child sex offender, referring to my childhood email, which very few people know, in place of my name. It was the login to my old Facebook he and I communicated on,” Ms Tame wrote. “He’s counting down to an act of revenge, planned for the day of my book’s release.” She alleged that his repeated comments constituted a federal offence and contravened <a href="https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/sexual-exploitation-policy">Twitter’s child exploitation policy</a>, which says that content that further contributes to the victimisation of children “through the promotion or glorification of child sexual exploitation” is also prohibited. “This is targeted harassment of a known victim of his past crimes, designed to cause further harm,” Ms Tame said. “I’ve reported them to police, but our reactive justice system is too slow, and nothing’s changed.” Bester was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison for maintaining a sexual relationship with someone under the age of 17 and possession of child exploitation material, but only served one year and nine months before he was released. He has been free to speak about his abuse of Ms Tame for some time and has previously taken to social media to brag to his followers. “The majority of men in Australia envy me,” he wrote. “I was 59, she was 15 going on 25. It was awesome.” Bester’s account has since been suspended by Twitter. Ms Tame said her tweets were an act of reclaiming power “against a predator operating in plain sight”. “This man seems to think he is still relevant and can maintain control over me,” she wrote. “This man who groomed and abused me when I was a child. “I’m not ashamed of any of it now. “But he should be. He was an adult who abused his authority. “Just because I have found the anger and strength in me now, does it make me an aggressor, or a survivor? "I know who I am. I am a survivor. "I have the power to be vulnerable. He will never have that. He is too afraid, and too weak. He is too weak to be vulnerable. Instead, he exploits others who are. He knows no other way to be. I see that now. And because of that, he doesn't scare me anymore.” Ms Tame added that her posts were “not for the critics” and were instead for survivors like her. "He is a sad, old menacing coward. “This is not for the critics. They will say what they always say. This is for the people like me. And you know who you are too. “I stand with you. We have the power.” If you or someone you know needs support as a result of sexual assault or child sexual abuse, contact the Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service on 1300 657 380, or LifeLine on 13 11 14 for immediate support. Image: Getty Images

Legal

"Absolutely ridiculous": Aussie grandma charged after exposing sex offender

Content warning: This article includes mentions of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). A grandmother-of-seven has been charged and hit with a hefty fine after going to great lengths to expose a convicted paedophile who moved to her community. Maxine Davey held up signs reading, ‘Keep children safe from peodophiles (sic)’, along a busy stretch of road to warn residents of the Central Queensland neighbourhood of Calliope that the man had moved there after being released from prison. However, the 59-year-old landed in hot water when she filmed the outside of the man’s home and shared the footage - which included vision of his property and vehicles that could be identified - on Facebook, prompting angry locals to comment and make threats. Ms Davey was found guilty of one count of unlawful stalking, which comes with a potential five-year jail term. “I just wanted to hold up a sign, publicise the fact that other parents (need) to be aware, but then I stepped over the line and broke the law,” she told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/queensland-grandmother-convicted-after-outing-predator-on-facebook/2cba9761-85d3-4a4e-8c3d-ee5632a72ef1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. “I crossed the line by posting [the video]. I posted it and it was online for two hours and 35 minutes before I quickly removed it. “I was shocked, I was sorry. I didn’t know at the time I’d broken the law, but obviously [the police] told me.” Ms Davey was able to avoid prison time after the magistrate ruled that she pay a $2200 fine instead. Her phone was also confiscated and a conviction was recorded. “I’m really devastated by it all,” Ms Davey said of the conviction. “I’ve never considered myself a criminal and I’ll have this charge against me for the rest of my life.” Since the legal action, sexual assault survivors who were victims of the man Ms Davey exposed have rallied behind her, saying she should be treated as a “hero”, not a criminal. “It is absolutely ridiculous how the justice system works. She shouldn't be put through this. This is not fair,” one victim said. “I believe she is honestly like a hero. It absolutely breaks my heart that she's trying to do the right thing (as) a human and she's absolutely being torn apart for it,” another victim said. The 41-year-old was convicted of rape and multiple counts of indecent treatment of children under the age of 16 and sentenced to two years and nine months of jail time last year. According to the Queensland Government’s website, confidential details about a sex offender can be released by the chief executive of Corrective Services when individual community members need to know information about the offender, such as their employment. Unlike in the US, where Megan’s Law requires police to release information about registered sex offenders to the public, individuals who request confidential information in Australia must sign a confidentiality agreement first. If you or someone you know is in need of support as a result of sexual assault or child sexual abuse, contact the Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service on 1300 657 380, or LifeLine on 13 11 14 for immediate support. Image: Nine

Legal

“Healing from grief is an inside job”: Why Ashley Judd found and met with her abuser

Content warning: This article includes mentions of sexual assault, rape and child sexual abuse (CSA). Ashley Judd has opened up about the conversation she had with the man who raped her more than two decades ago. The Double Jeopardy star spoke about confronting the man who assaulted her in 1999 during an appearance on the podcast Healing With David Kessler, telling host David Kessler that they had a “restorative-justice conversation”. “To make a long story short, we ended up in rocking chairs sitting by a creek together,” Judd said. “And I said, ‘I’m very interested in hearing the story you’ve carried all these years’. And we had a restorative-justice conversation about that. "I wanted to share that story because there are many ways of healing from grief, and it's important to remind listeners that I didn't need anything from him and it was just gravy that he made his amends and expressed his deep remorse because healing from grief is an inside job." The 54-year-old added that she didn’t need closure from the man, whose identity is still unknown, or “his cooperation” or “for him to make amends” to continue healing, and that she was just “very interested in hearing” his side of the story. "Because I had the opportunity to do my trauma work, to do my grief work, to do my healing work, to have all these shifts in my own consciousness and to bond in these female coalition spaces with other survivors," Judd said. Recalling the incident, Judd described it as “crazy-making” and “unconscionable”. "I was very clear, my boundaries were intact. I was already an empowered, adult feminist woman," she recalled. "And that this could happen under these circumstances was unconscionable, unforeseen, and yet I have had a restorative-justice process with this person out of how replete my soul is today." Judd has publicly spoken about being a three-time rape survivor in the past and shared her story for the first time in her 2011 memoir, All That Is Bitter & Sweet, and again in an <a href="https://www.mic.com/articles/113226/forget-your-team-your-online-violence-toward-girls-and-women-is-what-can-kiss-my-ass" target="_blank" rel="noopener">op-ed</a> she wrote for Mic.com’s ‘Pass the Mic’ series. "I am a survivor of sexual assault, rape and incest," she wrote at the time. "The summer of 1984 was tough for me. I experienced two rapes by an adult and systematic molestation from another adult, who also had another man in the room watching … This January, I read three different things that freshly triggered an additional, very specific memory from age 15 – an attempted oral rape by yet another adult man." If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse and need support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their <a href="https://www.1800respect.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>, or contact <a href="https://blueknot.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BlueKnot</a> on 1300 657 380. Image: Getty Images

Mind

Ricky Martin responds to allegations of domestic violence

Ricky Martin has responded to shocking accusations of domestic violence, which were publicised by the singer's own nephew. Ricky denies all allegations of domestic violence and incest, which could land him behind bars for 50 years. Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, 21, was identified as Ricky’s accuser in the case over in Puerto Rico, meaning the incident could possibly involve incest. Ricky’s brother, Eric, reportedly identified Sanchez as the alleged victim as Ricky is scheduled to appear in court on July 21st. While it is currently unknown exactly what charges Ricky could be facing, Puerto Rico has much stricter laws on crimes of a sexual nature when the victim and accused are related. The pop star is accused of "exercising physical and psychological attacks" on Sanchez during their seven-month relationship, which ended about two months ago. When reached by <a title="nypost.com" href="https://nypost.com/2022/07/15/ricky-martin-accused-of-incest-in-shocking-puerto-rico-reports/">The Post</a> on Friday, Martin’s attorney Marty Singer said, “Unfortunately, the person who made this claim is struggling with deep mental health challenges. Ricky Martin has, of course, never been — and would never be — involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew.” “The idea is not only untrue, it is disgusting. We all hope that this man gets the help he so urgently needs. But, most of all, we look forward to this awful case being dismissed as soon as a judge gets to look at the facts,” Singer said. Spanish news website Marca reported that Ricky would face up to 50 years if he’s convicted. “The allegations against Ricky Martin that lead to a protection order are completely false and fabricated,” said Ricky’s reps in a statement to People. “We are very confident that when the true facts come out in this matter our client Ricky Martin will be fully vindicated.” Ricky also made a statement on Twitter writing, “The protection order entered against me is based on completely false allegations, so I will respond through the judicial process with the facts and the dignity that characterise me. “Because it is an ongoing legal matter, I cannot make detailed statements at this time. I am grateful for the countless messages of solidarity, and I receive them with all my heart.” Image credits: Getty Images

News

“There are different paths to justice”: Former choirboy’s father takes George Pell to court

Content warning: This article includes mentions of child sexual abuse (CSA). The father of a former choirboy allegedly abused by George Pell has launched a civil case against the cardinal and the Catholic Church. After being convicted of abusing two choirboys during his time as archbishop of Melbourne in the 1990s, Cardinal Pell was acquitted by the High Court in 2020, having served 13 months in prison before gaining his freedom. The father of one of the victims, who died of a drug overdose in 2014, was told about the alleged abuse by police a year after his son’s death, according to the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-14/george-pell-father-former-choirboy-civil-action-cardinal-church/101236968" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a>. He has now launched legal action against Cardinal Pell and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne in the Supreme Court of Victoria for “damages for nervous shock” that were related to finding out about the allegations, according to the statement of claim lodged in court. The father, who cannot legally be named and has been given the pseudonym RWQ, and his solicitors from Shine Lawyers claim Cardinal Pell and the Archdiocese were negligent. They allege the cardinal is liable for RWQ’s mental injury because it would have been reasonably foreseeable that he would suffer from nervous shock after learning of the alleged abuse, and that the Archdiocese breached a duty of care to him. RWQ is claiming general damages, and special damages, and seeking compensation for “past loss of earning capacity and past and future medical and like expenses”, though the sum he is seeking will only be revealed if the matter goes to trial. Lisa Flynn, the Chief Legal Officer for Shine Lawyers, said the separate criminal case and High Court proceedings involving the cardinal won’t affect the civil case. “The High Court made some decisions in relation to the criminal prosecution against [George] Pell, our case is a civil case against George Pell and the Catholic Archdiocese,” she explained. “There are different paths to justice.” If you are in need of support you can contact Lifeline on 0800 54 33 54, or Safe to Talk on 0800 044 334 for support relating to sexual abuse. Image: Getty Images

Legal

"Final act of cowardice" by Hannah Clarke’s ex-husband

Content warning: This article contains distressing content and descriptions of domestic violence. A coroner has recommended widespread changes to domestic violence training and support in Australia while delivering her findings on the deaths of Hannah Clarke and her children at the hands of her ex-husband. Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley became emotional while delivering her findings, detailing the final moments of the young family during Rowan Baxter’s “final act of cowardice”. Clarke and her children, six-year-old Aaliyah, four-year-old Laianah, and three-year-old Trey, died after Baxter, her ex-husband, ambushed the family on their way to school in February, 2020. After dousing their car in petrol, neighbours watched on in horror as he set the vehicle alight. In Bentley’s findings, published on Wednesday, it was revealed that Clarke died from multi-organ failure as a result of the fire. Bentley said the three children died at 8.25am on February 19 from the effects of the fire, while Baxter died from a self-inflicted stab wound. "The children died almost immediately from the inhalation of fumes and burns," Bentley said. "Hannah had received full-thickness, non-survivable burns." Despite suffering severe injuries, Bentley said Clarke showed “astounding bravery” and was able to describe what Baxter had done to nearby witnesses. Her findings come three months after the long-awaited coronial inquest into the deaths began. During the inquest, the court was told of how Baxter displayed controlling and abusive behaviour towards Clarke, including controlled what she wore and who she could see, demanding sex every night, and berating her body image. The court was told that Baxter abducted Laianah on Boxing Day 2019, taking her to northern NSW before returning her several days later. In another incident, Baxter assaulted Clarke after she confronted him about why he had explicit photos of her in his car - which was evidence he hoped to use in court. Bentley said she found it unlikely that police, service providers or family could have stopped Baxter from carrying out his “murderous” plans, describing him as a “master of manipulation”. "After Hannah left him and he realised he could no longer control her, he began to rally support from friends he had not seen for years and professionals he considered could advance his cause,” Bentley said. She described him killing himself as a “final act of cowardice” since he was unable to live with the public denunciation and punishment he would be subject to. "The truth is Hannah, who knew him best, was initially in favour of him having contact with the children … but she perceived he was becoming more dangerous," Bentley said. "Her fears were genuine and realistic and ultimately confirmed in the worst way." The coroner said there were missed opportunities to keep Baxter accountable, including their response to his breaching of the domestic violence order. The court heard that training of police officers, particularly frontline officers, around domestic violence was insufficient, and that there was a “significant lack of counselling programmes and support” for perpetrators in Queensland. "However, in this case, I am satisfied that even had it been available, Baxter was not interested in engaging in such programmes unless it furthered his cause … [of] Hannah agreeing to his wishes," she said. Bentley made four recommendations, including that the Queensland government fund the police to provide "five-day face-to-face domestic violence training programme for all specialist domestic violence police officers", and mandatory face-to-face training for all police officers. "My final recommendation is that the Queensland government provide funding for men's behaviour change programmes both in prisons and in the community as a matter of urgency," Bentley said. "I offer my most sincere condolences to Mr and Mrs Clarke, other family members and friends and family of their children." Outside court, Hannah’s parents Sue and Lloyd Clarke said they were pleased with the findings. "We expected most of the results," Clarke told reporters. "We need to see everything that's been recommended implemented in every state." If you are in need of support or are a victim of domestic violence, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the national family violence counselling service on 1800 737 732. Image: Nine News

Family & Pets

"You opened the door to hell": Epstein victims address Ghislaine Maxwell as she is sentenced

Content Warning: This article discusses Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). Ghislaine Maxwell has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for recruiting and grooming four teenage girls who were sexually abused by her then-boyfriend Jeffrey Epstein. At her sentencing hearing in Manhattan federal court, the 60-year-old showed no emotion as she was sentenced early Wednesday (Australia time). Before learning the sentence, four of the survivors read out victim impact statements, describing the abuse they faced at the hands of Maxwell and Epstein, as well as the long term emotional impacts they have experienced as a result. “For a long time I wanted to erase from my mind the crimes that Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell committed against me … but I’ve had to acknowledge the long-lasting effects,” Annie Farmer, the fourth victim to take the stand, said, breaking into tears during her statement. “One of the most painful and ongoing impacts of Maxwell and Epstein’s abuse was the loss of trust in myself.” Sarah Ransome, Elizabeth Stein, and the accuser known as “Kate” also shared their statements, while the attorney for Virginia Giuffre read out her statement in court. Standing up at a Plexiglass-enclosed lectern, Maxwell described Epstein as a “manipulative, cunning and controlling man” who fooled everyone around him and said she was “sorry” for the pain his victims experienced. “It is my greatest regret of my life that I ever met Jeffrey Epstein,” she said. “I also acknowledge that I have been convicted of helping Jeffrey Epstein commit these crimes. “And despite the many helpful and positive things I have done in my life and will continue to do … I know that my association with Epstein and this case will permanently stain me.” However, she attempted to shift the blame onto Epstein, emphasising that he “should have been here before all of you”, echoing arguments her lawyers made that she had been scapegoated for Epstein’s crimes. This is despite her involvement as the person to introduce the victims to Epstein and statements from victims describing her abusing them as well. During sentencing, US Circuit Judge Alisan Nathan said Maxwell didn’t appear to express remorse or take responsibility for her actions. “Maxwell directly and repeatedly and over the course of many years participated in a horrific scheme to entice, transport and traffic underage girls, some as young as 14, for sexual abuse by and with Jeffrey Epstein,” Judge Nathan said. “The damage done to these young girls was incalculable.” The sentencing comes after Maxwell was convicted of five of six charges laid against her in December 2021, which followed a month-long trial and 40 hours of deliberation by jurors. Maxwell was convicted of: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> sex trafficking, </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> conspiracy to entice individuals under the age of 17 to travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> conspiracy to transport individuals under the age of 17 to travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Transportation of an individual under the age of 17 with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, and, </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of individuals under the age of 18. </li> </ul> Prosecutors last week called Maxwell’s conduct “shockingly predatory” and said she deserved to spend at least 30 years behind bars, based on their interpretation of sentencing guidelines. Maxwell’s lawyers argued that she should be sentenced for no more than five and one-quarter years, due to her being scapegoated and the time she has already spent in prison since her arrest in July 2020. However, her official sentence is far lower than the maximum possible sentence of 55 years that she could have received. Judge Nathan calculated that the sentencing guidelines called for 15.5 to 19.5 years in prison, but delivered a higher sentence due to the victims’ disturbing testimony and Maxwell’s “direct and repeated participation in a horrific scheme”. “Miss Maxwell is not punished in place of Epstein,” she said. “Miss Maxwell is being punished for the role that she played.” Image: Getty Images

Legal

Why scenes of sexual violence should be the exception, not the rule

Content warning: This article discusses sexual assault and rape. Portraying traumatic events in films and television shows, whether it is a grisly death or extreme violence, can be difficult to pull off in a way that sends its intended message and doesn’t spark outrage among viewers. With director Del Kathryn Barton’s Blaze confronting audiences during its showing at the 2022 Sydney Film Festival, depicting a graphic rape and murder scene witnessed by 12-year-old titular protagonist Blaze (Julia Savage), questions of when these scenes are needed and whether “very graphic” equals “very impactul” emerge. Refinery29’s Zahra Campbell-Avenell <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/blaze-2022-del-kathryn-barton-film-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">describes</a> being on the verge of tears for the film’s entirety, while Variety’s Peter Debruge <a href="https://variety.com/2022/film/reviews/blaze-review-1235290438/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">questions</a> whether Barton has “earned” the use of such a graphic scene, suggesting she treats it “as a device” to make a point about a child losing their innocence and navigating trauma. In a talk after Blaze’s premiere at the festival, Barton said it was important for the scene to be authentic, but being authentic to the realities of witnessing sexual assault doesn’t necessarily mean extreme depictions are needed – especially when the film works to address the issue of femicide and abuse. Representing the issues of sexual assualt, gendered violence and the trauma that follows is important, particularly given that, on average, <a href="https://www.ourwatch.org.au/quick-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one woman is killed by a current or former partner every week in Australia</a>, but the way that we achieve that might not be through depicting the event itself, but what comes after. Amanda Spallaci, an assistant lecturer at the University of Alberta, Canada, <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0752/8/1/8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">writes</a> that portraying the event itself, usually in a way that evokes disgust or empathy, might last while audiences are watching the show or film but “fail to shift popular discourses” by neglecting to focus on effects, such as traumatic memory. She argues that making audiences witness these events fails to challenge common ideas about sexual assault and rape, particularly when it comes to the expectation that the truth of a victim’s story relies on their ability to provide coherent accounts and evidence. In reality, evidence is hard to find, witnesses are uncommon, and cases often come down to testimony from the victim and perpetrator – where beliefs that victims who are emotional during their testimony are more credible, <a href="https://www.aic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-11/ti611_misconceptions_of_sexual_crimes_against_adult_victims.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">false allegations are common</a>, and that their recollections of the event should be detailed, specific and coherent make it even more difficult for victims to be believed. In comparison, Spallaci says that graphic film depictions mean “the viewer knows that the rape occurred not because they believe the survivor’s testimony, but because they bore witness to the event, adhering to the imperative of truth of the traumatic event and its relationship to the iconic veracity of the (rape scene)”. It’s important to recognise that film and TV shows are shifting towards depicting traumatic events with a focus on memory and what comes afterwards, with I May Destroy You and Sharp Objects being good examples. Both shows rely on flashbacks and characters <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/violence-against-women-on-tv-euphoria-game-of-thrones-unbelievable-cassie-howard-sydney-sweeney-nudity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">piecing together</a> what happened to them in fragments, though they still show scenes of sexual assuault as well. Blaze also deserves praise for its presentation of the struggles that victims (or, in this case, witnesses) face when giving testimony about sexual assault and murder. It also shows that, in the wake of the #MeToo era, changes to how we tackle sexual assault are sinking through, with depictions moving away from the gratuitous scenes used for shock value in Game of Thrones, but that there’s plenty more work to be done to do right by victims. Image: Getty Images

Caring

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

To tackle gendered violence, we also need to look at drugs, trauma and mental health

"I was terrified": Law & Order star reveals traumatic past

"It was a relief": Rebecca Gibney opens up on mental health struggles

London police receive even older Russell Brand sexual assault allegation

Hallucinations in the movies tend to be about chaos, violence and mental distress. But they can be positive too

Don’t blame women for low libido. Sexual sparks fly when partners do their share of chores – including calling the plumber

“This is disgusting”: Mural for murdered women defaced with graffiti

Victims of child sexual abuse react to Cardinal Pell's death

Brittany Higgins speaks publicly for first time since dropped charges

“This brings this prosecution to an end”: Charges dropped against Bruce Lehrmann

Neighbours star facing sexual assault charge

“She could’ve been protected that day”: Gabby Petito’s family files lawsuit

"Sad, old menacing coward:" Grace Tame reports childhood abuser to police

"Absolutely ridiculous": Aussie grandma charged after exposing sex offender

“Healing from grief is an inside job”: Why Ashley Judd found and met with her abuser

Ricky Martin responds to allegations of domestic violence

“There are different paths to justice”: Former choirboy’s father takes George Pell to court

"Final act of cowardice" by Hannah Clarke’s ex-husband

"You opened the door to hell": Epstein victims address Ghislaine Maxwell as she is sentenced

Why scenes of sexual violence should be the exception, not the rule

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

To tackle gendered violence, we also need to look at drugs, trauma and mental health

"I was terrified": Law & Order star reveals traumatic past

"It was a relief": Rebecca Gibney opens up on mental health struggles

London police receive even older Russell Brand sexual assault allegation

Hallucinations in the movies tend to be about chaos, violence and mental distress. But they can be positive too

Don’t blame women for low libido. Sexual sparks fly when partners do their share of chores – including calling the plumber

“This is disgusting”: Mural for murdered women defaced with graffiti

Victims of child sexual abuse react to Cardinal Pell's death

Brittany Higgins speaks publicly for first time since dropped charges

“This brings this prosecution to an end”: Charges dropped against Bruce Lehrmann

Neighbours star facing sexual assault charge

“She could’ve been protected that day”: Gabby Petito’s family files lawsuit

"Sad, old menacing coward:" Grace Tame reports childhood abuser to police

"Absolutely ridiculous": Aussie grandma charged after exposing sex offender

“Healing from grief is an inside job”: Why Ashley Judd found and met with her abuser

Ricky Martin responds to allegations of domestic violence

“There are different paths to justice”: Former choirboy’s father takes George Pell to court

"Final act of cowardice" by Hannah Clarke’s ex-husband

"You opened the door to hell": Epstein victims address Ghislaine Maxwell as she is sentenced

Why scenes of sexual violence should be the exception, not the rule

Join Over60