Lauren Hollands
22 December 2014: Sexual violence is the central topic of two recently published books co-authored by University of Canberra law professor Patricia Easteal AM.
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Her books Shades of Grey and Intimate Partner Sexual Violence were written to 'effect change' on the current law reform in place regarding family violence and sexual assault, which is a subject Professor Easteal is 'passionate' about.
"I am not just an academic but I am an advocate and an activist for women who have experienced family and/or sexual violence," she said.
Co-authored with Anna Carline, Shades of Grey, aims to allow policy makers, law makers and legal practitioners to understand the limitations on existing laws, as well as potential Improvements.
Published by Routledge, this book critiques current legislation, laws and case studies from around the world to make the improvements to government, community and legal responses to women who experience sexual violence.
In Intimate Partner Sexual Violence, Professor Easteal and colleagues created a Multidisciplinary Guide to Improving Services and Support for Survivors of Rape and Abuse. Along with two co-editors and a team of contributors, the literature was intended to help 'identify, understand and help prevent the situations' victims experience.
"We need more law reform, better law reform and there is a serious need to educate the legal community and the entire community about these issues," Professor Easteal said.
The team behind Intimate Partner Sexual Violence have already expressed their interest in producing another book on the subject, as this is an issue they believe needs more support.
The two books were published as part of Professor Easteal's larger on-going research and writing advocacy for women's legal rights after being named ACT Australian of the Year in 2010, for her contribution to the advancement of human rights and justice in Australia.
