Grace Millane: why is ‘rough sex’ a defence?

How a woman's sexual history is exposed in court

An episode of the Beyond Today podcast, hosted by BBC Radio 4, titled "Grace Millane: why is ‘rough sex’ a defence?" was published on November 28, 2019 and runs 21 minutes.

November 28, 2019 ·21m · Beyond Today

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Summary

Last Friday a 27-year-old New Zealand man was found guilty of the murder of British backpacker Grace Millane. During the trial questions were raised over how the press covered the case and how the defence was put together. Campaigners say Grace was blamed for her own death and that other assailants are claiming their victims simply enjoyed ‘rough sex.’We speak to BBC producer Simon Atkinson who covered the trial in Auckland and discuss why Grace Millane’s sexual history was brought up in court. We also speak to Alys Harte, a journalist for BBC 5 Live Investigates, about her research into the changing attitudes of women towards gagging, choking, slapping and spitting. The responses raise important questions about unwanted violent sex and consent. We also speak to Anna-Louise Adams who has first-hand experience of choking in the bedroom. Mixed by Nicolas Raufast Producer: Lucy Hancock Editor: John ShieldsSpecial thanks to: We Cant Consent To This, The High Low.

Episode Description

We speak to BBC producer Simon Atkinson who covered the trial in Auckland and discuss why Grace Millane’s sexual history was brought up in court. We also speak to Alys Harte, a journalist for BBC 5 Live Investigates, about her research into the changing attitudes of women towards gagging, choking, slapping and spitting. The responses raise important questions about unwanted violent sex and consent. We also speak to Anna-Louise Adams who has first-hand experience of choking in the bedroom.

Mixed by Nicolas Raufast Producer: Lucy Hancock Editor: John Shields

Special thanks to: We Cant Consent To This, The High Low.