STEVE CROW’s views on the link between pornography and rape (Sunday Star Times, August 8) should not be left to stand unchallenged. As academics with over 40 years’ collective experience researching rape, we would like to set the record straight. There is not, as he claims, “a lot of … scientific evidence” that “ready access to porn” reduces the incidence of rape. It is possible to find studies that can be twisted to support virtually any special interest. But we have never encountered an expert in the area of rape who would support such a contention. Up-to-date reviews by international research leaders suggest that, contrary to Crow’s claims, pornography use is associated with the increased objectification of women and expressions of sexual aggression.
Nicola Gavey, Associate Professor, Psychology, University of Auckland
Jan Jordan, Associate Professor, Victoria University
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