Australian author Germaine Greer says rape shouldn't result in a jail term because it is rarely violent.
The controversial feminist says rapists should, instead, have an 'R' tattooed on them and be made to do 200 hours of community service, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Greer claims that most rape is actually bad sex and dismissed the idea that victims suffer physical injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.
She told an audience at the Hay Festival: "Most rapes don't involve any injury whatsoever. We are told it's one of the most violent crimes in the world — bull****. Most rape is just lazy, just careless, just insensitive."
Her comments sparked anger online with multiple tweets slamming the author.
It's been quite clear to me for some time now that Germaine Greer doesn't actually like women. And that would include herself.
— ruby (@moximoll) May 30, 2018
It's increasingly looking like feminism is just something Germaine Greer tried at a party. This is twisted: "Instead of thinking of rape as a spectacularly violent crime, and some rapes are, think about it as non consensual … that is bad sex."
— Will Black (@WillBlackWriter) May 30, 2018
https://t.co/r6QGClgWIs
I call for Germaine Greer to stop calling herself a feminist. Because she very clearly isn't. And the hailing of her as one needs to stop. It should have stopped a long time ago, really, but now is certainly a good time to really do it. https://t.co/VZPOh2IiYP
— Prof Tanja Bueltmann (@cliodiaspora) May 30, 2018
Greer was the victim of a rape in her late teens and said she knew she risked angering feminists when she admitted she wasn't 'angry enough' with the man who attacked her.
She didn't report the man to the police because she thought it would be a waste of time.
Greer said she was determined to get over it and not live her life as a 'rapee'.
How to get help
If you're in danger now:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people.
• Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:
• NZ Police
• The Harbour, for those affected by harmful sexual behaviour
• Help Auckland 24/7 helpline 09 623 1700
• Rape Prevention Education
• Wellington Help 24/7 crisisline 04 801 6655, push 0
• Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
• Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
• Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women, focusing this year on sexual violence and the issue of consent. www.whiteribbon.org.nz
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