5 September 2006

Research into partner rape sheds light on criminal justice and community response

A University of Canberra legal academic and author has co-authored a book Real Rape, Real Pain that explores the relatively ignored issue of rape within relationships.

A collaborative research grant from the University of Canberra and the ACT Chief Minister enabled Dr Patricia Easteal to look at partner rape trials around Australia, analyse cases handled by the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions and collect women's narratives from around the world. Local community services Canberra Rape Crisis, Relationships Australia and the Women's Legal Centre also assisted by providing "in kind" contributions to the research. That research project has resulted in both her contribution to the book, co-authored by welfare worker and survivor, Louise McOrmond-Plummer, and to two academic articles that highlight specific issues in partner sexual assault legal cases.

A 2001 ACT Woman of the Year Award winner for her substantial research in the area of violence against women, Dr Easteal believes the book is meeting a global need.

"After doing research in the area of violence against women for 20 years, I'd have to say that partner rape is the most hidden type of violence in relationships, which is undoubtedly far more common than we'd like to believe. Since it's still in the 'bedroom closet', so to speak, disclosure, prosecution, convictions and the survivors' healing are particularly problematic," Dr Easteal said.

Dr Easteal said that Real Rape, Real Pain debunks the myth that rape within a marriage or other form of relationship is not 'real' rape and offers support and guidance for the silent victims of partner rape. The book also offers practical legal advice, guiding women through the criminal justice system and offering tips on surviving on the witness stand.

Louise McOrmond-Plummer said the book challenges the common misconception that 'real'rape is 'committed by strangers in alleyways'.

"Although partner rape is far more common and carries more long-term effects than stranger rape, the myths about what is 'real' rape mean that women have had no name to give experiences of forced or coerced sex by partners. Women sexually assaulted by partners are also statistically more likely to be murdered," she said.

Former independent parliamentarian, football commentator and author Phil Cleary launched the book in Melbourne on Monday September 4, saying the authors " open the curtain on the dark story of the rape of women by a male partner."

A separate launch will be held at the University of Canberra on Wednesday 27 September as part of the University's 'Health and Lifestyle Expo'.

UC Communications

Gaye Morrison
T: 02 6201 5855
M: 0409 470 755

Kaddie Pass
T: 02 6201 2681

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Last Updated on August 1, 2005