In a new, uncensored edition, two human rights lawyers break open the ways that our legal system continues to silence and disadvantage women.
Uncensored. Unredacted. Updated.
HOW MANY MORE WOMEN
have to be raped or abused before we act?
need to accuse him before we believe her?
will be failed by the criminal justice system?
need to say something before we do something?
will be sued for defamation for speaking out?
will be contracted to silence?
From Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame to the international spectacle of Johnny Depp v Amber Heard and the furore that followed that unwanted kiss at the Women's World Cup final, women are breaking through the historic expectation that they will not speak out. But as they grow more empowered, a new form of systematic silencing is becoming more evident: the spike in survivors speaking out is often followed by a spike in legal actions against them and the media.
The law is being wielded to reinforce the status quo that existed before MeToo. Significant passages in the first edition of this very book were blacked out due to the complex web of legal rules that impact women's ability to speak.
Now, in this uncensored, unredacted edition, internationally acclaimed lawyers Jennifer Robinson and Keina Yoshida examine the laws around the world that silence women, and ask how we can ensure that their freedoms are no longer threatened by the legal system that is supposed to protect them.
Because we cannot act if we do not know. If women cannot talk about their abuse-and journalists are fearful of telling their stories-then how can we understand the problem of gender-based violence in our society? And how can we even begin to end it?
Praise for How Many More Women:
'In this topical, urgent book, the authors call for lawmakers to tackle the way the law silences and retraumatises victims, and how it might be changed.' The Age
'Witty, gritty, insightful and true, this book is essential reading for all women. Robinson and Yoshida lay down the law, on law, in an accessible way, giving us the ammunition we need, not just to protect ourselves, but to go out there and win.' Kathy Lette
'If anyone can change things, in court or through the pages of this powerful book, it is these two fearless feminist lawyers.' Susie Alegre, author of Freedom to Think
'The more people are exposed to the ideas examined in How Many More Women, the more responsive they might be to the task of creating a safer, more equitable society.' Australian Book Review
'Timely and important.' Women's Agenda
About the Authors
Jennifer Robinson is a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers in London. She has acted in key human rights and media freedom cases in domestic and international courts. Jen sits on the boards of the Grata Fund, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights and the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights at Oxford University.
Dr Keina Yoshida is a barrister in England, Wales and Ireland. Keina is currently a senior legal adviser at the Center for Reproductive Rights, and an associate tenant at Doughty Street Chambers. Keina is co-editor of Feminist Conversations on Peace.
