Originally released in January 2023, CW: SA, violence

On June 23 1993, after enduring years of physical and emotional abuse, Lorena Bobbitt infamously cut off the p*nis of her sleeping husband, John Wayne Bobbit. The case instantly becomes content for the 24 news cycle and a joke for late night comedians but the backstory is much more sinister.

 In this episode, we will discuss how Lorena was a victim of domestic abuse during a time when there were no laws and few systems in place to protect or help women stuck in dangerous relationships.

We will also examine the trials of John and Lorena, gender bias in the media and the court room, domestic violence and the difficulty of leaving abusive situations.

 Lastly, we’ll go over why this story is still important to talk about thirty years later and ask whether there are more options now than there were then.

 Sources: Bell, Rachael. "Crimes Below the Belt: Penile Removal and Castration (Chapter 2)". Crime Library. October 5, 2007.

 Chen, Joyce "Fine, We Can (Briefly) Talk About John Wayne Bobbitt's… Career" Refinery29. February 16, 2019.

Effron, Lauren; Dooley, Sean. "John Bobbitt speaks out 25 years after".

ABC News. Mead, Rebecca. The Lorena Bobbitt Story Offers New Lessons On Male Vulnerability (February 15, 2019).
The New Yorker. Pershing, Linda (2011).

 ""His Wife Seized His Prize and Cut It to Size": Folk and Popular Commentary on Lorena Bobbitt". Smolowe, Jill; Peterzell, Jay (November 22, 1993).

 "TIME Magazine-Swift Sword of Justice". Waxman, Olivia. Lorena Bobbitt on Domestic and What She Wants You To Know About Her Case 25 Years Later (June 22, 2018).

Time. 20/20 “The Bobbits” ABC News Lorena, Amazon Documentary Series Virginia Vs. Lorena Bobbitt, Court TV.

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