An Australian woman has spoken out about the horrific years of abuse she said she was subjected to by her own husband, a Christian pastor.
Speaking exclusively to 60 Minutes, Joy Harris recounted how her husband, Pastor Larry Harris, had raped her up to seven times a day for nearly four decades.
“He thought the more times a day he could have it, the more of a man he was. He would get up to 6, 7 times a day and he didn’t care if it caused me pain,” the Cairns grandmother told Liam Bartlett.
Pastor Harris was the leader of an Independent Baptist Church, a church separate to mainstream Australian Baptist Ministries.
According to The Chronicle, Pastor Harris pleaded guilty to two counts of rape in January and was sentenced to five years in prison. When he is released, Mrs Harris intends to have her husband charged in NSW, where she said most of the abuse occurred.
Detective Sergeant Brendan Young, who led the investigation, told 60 Minutes about the horrific charges against Pastor Harris.
“It was sexual assault, it was rapes, it was deprivation of liberty, look it was disgusting to be honest,” he explained.
Mrs Harris revealed that her son Kevin—an Independent Baptist pastor too— had turned his back on her following the accusations.
“[Kevin thinks] I’m just as guilty as a rapist, my rapist. I’m wrong; I’m displeasing God,” she said.
If you or someone you know needs help you can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyondblue1300 224 636.
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