I think it’s worth commenting on the current media attention around Lara Bingle at the moment, because it’s clear that the issues at stake are much more serious than the trivial celebrity scandal that some media outlets are portraying it as.

This is particularly following articles like the one from Peter Roebuck. I was seething at it all day, but I shouldn’t have been surprised.

I continue to be astounded at the full-frontal assault the media caries out on women who stand up to sexism and sexual abuse. This is not an isolated case at all.

Lara Bingle is suing Brendon Fevola for taking photos of her naked without her consent and distributing at them. As a man, I can only imagine the humiliation she has faced as a result.

She has been accused of doing it for media attention or to save her career. She’s been accused of overreacting and not being a good ‘cricket wife’ by not shutting up and giving her unwavering support to Michael Clarke in his cricketing career.

This is similar to the assault on a woman last year who came out against Matthew Johns for an alleged rape seven years ago.

The fact that the men are at best sympathised with for their mistake and at worst defended really says a lot about sexism in our society. There is no talk of these men being punished for the vile crimes at all.

That is unless of course the men are Muslim and then they use it peddle racist bullshit about immigrants not respecting our great country that always respects women.

But this issue goes far beyond how it affects Lara Bingle. Peter Roebuck’s sexist diatribe tells women to shut up, put up and play their role as second fiddle to their male partners, supporting them in their obviously more important pursuits.

And all of the media are constantly discouraging women from speaking out against rape and sexual assault. The message being sent is no one is going to believe you anyway.