I asked him once if it was just an in-the-moment decision. He said that he thought it through “for not just a minute”, knew it was wrong, knew I wouldn’t like it…and did it any way.

It was non-battering. Almost half of marital rapes are non-battering. 45% according to Maine State Bar Association Bar Bulletin.

So it’s pretty horrible that a court would focus on the physical violence part. Rape and sexual assault are violence in the first place. In fact, I wonder how many victims don’t realize there is a name for what happened — given that they too likely think force must be involved.

I do think that it is important to note that there is an increase in illegal (underage) or sex-slavery (trafficked) networks in sex-work decriminalized countries, which to me indicates that my first argument, that the dehumanizing sex work and right to rape is what at least a certain percentage of Johns are really after. So, how should a legal system seek to recognize the work of sex workers, protect sex workers and protect trafficked women/children? Well, it has to be mixed. I’m not sure what that should exactly look like, but simple decriminalization isn’t enough.

It is called dehumanisation because once society accepts certain women are not human but just men’s sexual service stations then any act of male violence is permitted because ‘no human was involved.’ Or so, male-defined and male-dominant culture constantly tells us.”

You are in fact perpetuating the stigma and dehumanising attitudes held against sex workers by using the term” prostituted women”. We are sex workers. That is our preferred term to describe us.

Yes – the verdict is horrendous and I’m ashamed of the judicial system here in Australia. We have, today, recognised the International day to end violence against sex workers (17th Dec) by protesting outside the Sydney courts.

FYI: the “Swedish Model” of legislation is BAD. No sex worker wants it.It strips ALL sex workers – women, men and transgender sex workers – of all our rights, our ability to earn a living and our ability to live and to contribute as a regular member of society, just like anyone else. No one should ever advocate for it. It treats sex workers as victims, not as people and it does not recognise sex work as an occupational choice.

As a migrant sex worker who has worked and traveled all over the world I can assure you that everyone should ONLY be lobbying for decriminalisation for the sex industry. The fact that the legal system has completely let this Sydney sex worker-in a state that is decriminalised, is absolutely appalling.

Thank you for those on this site who have supported sex worker rights.

First, here’s a sad thought that came to mind: I’m surprised to see that the prosecutor took the case all the way to court. I mean, one baby step forward because many prosecutors would not take the rape of a sex worker seriously.

Second: accomplices, exactly. What’s with juries and boards of directors not taking their role seriously? If you are so biased by your own desire to make sure that everyone knows nice men don’t rape, then fucking step down (or that nice CEO’s always have the public interest in mind, the BofD cases). Examine your damn psyche, dudes/dudettes.

Third: Although I know that the legalization of sex work is a contentious issue within the feminist community, I have to say that this case seems to be indicative that often men who go to sex workers want not just sex, but violent, dehumanizing sex/privileges to rape. Where you have legalized sex work, like the Netherlands, you also have an increase in delegitimate sex work/sex slavery/child prostitution. Johns aren’t necessarily out for an off, but a specific allowance to do violent, autonomy squashing things and where there are safeties involved (like brothels with guards, safer sex policies, etc) that need to humiliate, endanger and be cruel/violent still persists. Personally, I like the Swedish model, where sex work is not illegal, but buying sex is–and the focus is on John-education and anti-trafficking laws better than the Dutch model.

peace

“Awesome! Thanks Cara =) Just wanted to get the facts straight. I’m a Marine and didnt want our name brought down with the Navy bad doings.”

Whoa there, Jamie! Don’t fall down, getting off your high horse! News Flash time – in case you forgot, the U.S. Marine Corps IS part of the Dept. of the Navy! I am a retired Navy man and I sure as Hell DON’T condone what this dirtbag did (and got away with!) However,
the following link (this one, once again, happening overseas – in the Philippines) might refresh your memory!

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/12/03/18334886.php

Doesn’t matter WHAT branch of service you’re in – ALL rapists are scum sucking dirtbags!! Semper Fi!

Likewise male physical violence against women is never ‘physical violence’ because the men who commit such crimes always minimalise their actions and claim such actions are not violence against women. Add on the fact prostituted women have apparently forfeited their right of bodily ownership of their bodies this male sailor therefore did not commit rape and physical violence against a prostituted woman.

It is called dehumanisation because once society accepts certain women are not human but just men’s sexual service stations then any act of male violence is permitted because ‘no human was involved.’ Or so, male-defined and male-dominant culture constantly tells us.