Rape joke waiver.

I have expressed interest in performing humour reliant on rape and sexual assault. The following waiver out lines, not exhaustively, the potential consequences, and upon signing I confirm my understanding of them before proceeding.

Upon making a rape joke I accept that my comments may offend, trigger or bring about an argument.

I understand that 1 in 5 women, and 1 in 20 men have in their life time have reported an incidence of sex assault and that only 19% of female victims ever report an assault [1]. I understand that the likelihood of these instances of sexual violence increases for gay, lesbian and people of non-binary gender identity [2]. I understand that my joke may bring about the recollection of trauma in those who have experienced rape and sexual assault. I understand that my joke will not only make them recall this moment or moments, it may lead to the victim feeling further ashamed, victimised or traumatised by the event [3]. I understand that upwards of 35% of rape victims suffer from PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) from the assault at some point in their lifetime [3]. In making a rape joke I accept that the disturbance inflicted upon a victim of rape by my joke is a direct result of my actions.

I understand that sexual assault is 4 times more likely to be perpetrated by someone the victim knows and may still know [1]. I understand that my joke will normalise and trivialise rape, thus confirming to rapists who may be in my presence that I find their actions normal, reasonable or excusable. I accept that a lack of victims or assailants in the audience for my joke does not exempt me from propagating harmful trivialisation of sexual violence and violation.

I understand that ‘freedom of speech’ gives me the right to say something without institutional reprisals, but does not exempt me from criticism for my comments. I accept that a rape victim, sexual assault victim or the family and friends of a victim, or just people who doesn’t think rape and sexual assault is funny may also exercise their right to ‘freedom of speech’ to point out that my joke is insensitive, cruel and trivialising. I understand that neither an imagined absence of freedom of speech, nor ‘political correctness’, can be held accountable in the event that I feel that my joke did not go over well.

In full knowledge of the above, I elect to tell my joke as I prioritise the fleeting, cruel and misogynistic laughter that this joke may glean over the safety and comfort of survivors. I understand that my joke exists in a continuum of rape culture, of which it perpetuates.

I understand the above and still wish to proceed with the joke.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Signed. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Name printed. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Dated

[1]. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006, Personal Safety, Australia, 2005, cat. no. 4606.0, ABS, Canberra. [2]. Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2012, Sexual violence and gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, intersex, & queer communities, AIF, Canberra [3]. Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2011, The impacts of sexual assault on women, AIF, Canberra. Written piece from Issue #4 by contributor Talia.