Minister for women speaks out against t-shirts depicting violence against women

T-shirt depicts bound, gagged woman splattered with blood and the words 'Relax, it's Just Sex'

Collective Shout Toowoomba member Mark McErvale recently posted an article on Collective Shout's Facebook page about these shirts - the product of US pornographic magazine 'Hustler' -  being sold by a retailer in a Kmart Plaza in Mt Isa.

Residents complained which resulted in the shirt being removed from the front window, but not removed from sale. Mt Isa resident Ruth Poultney took her complaint further by contacting the member for Mt Isa Betty Kiernan. Betty Kiernan then forwarded her complaint along with a photograph of the shirt to the Minister for women Karen Struthers who has today called on retailers to stop selling them. As reported in the Brisbane Times:

Minister for Women Karen Struthers today called on retailers to immediately remove the item, saying it suggested "sexual assaults on women are acceptable’’.

“The shirts, which show a woman blood-soaked, bound and gagged, are extremely disturbing,’’ she said. "I understand that people are free to express themselves as they chose, but these images cross the line in my view.’’

‘‘I’m concerned it’s happening in other stores in the state,’’ Ms Struthers said. “No one should be making a profit out of promoting violence against women. These images send the wrong message that violence against women is acceptable.’’

Ms Struthers said it was imperative that all members of the community condemned violence against women.

“If we all act as one in supporting victims and declaring our intolerance for domestic and family violence, we can put a stop to it,’’ she said.

There were were 5500 sexual offences reported in Queensland last year, while 23,000 applications were made for domestic violence protection orders across the state.

Victims of sexual violence can contact the statewide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 for help and advice.

Take Action!

Collective Shout applauds the strong stance the Minister for Women has shown, highlighting the seriousness of violence against women and the importance of the community standing firm against it. You might like to send Karen Struthers a message of support here.

Collective Shout has previously spoken out against the depiction of violence against women, pornographic and sexist images on t-shirts. You might like to remind Roger David in particular of their responsibility to the community in light of Ms. Struthers comments today. You can do so here.