Controversial 'second-wave' feminist Germaine Greer has claimed rape causes less psychological harm than male partners who have disinterested sex.

In an article for The Australian on Saturday, the writer claimed 'perfunctory sex is not criminal but it is damaging'.

'That might be thought to suggest that we should differentiate between "vicious rape" and perfunctory sex,' she said.

Germaine Greer (pictured) has claimed rape causes less psychological harm than male partners who have disinterested sex

The commentator said the emotional and psychical abandonment from a loved one or sexual partner is far more damaging than a sexual attack.

'Neglect and indifference from a loved one are far more corrosive of self-esteem and ultimately more spiritually damaging than a random attack from a stranger, however violent,' she said.

Greer weighed-in on how woman need to give consent for sex - not grudgingly, but enthusiastically for it to be legitimised.

'The vast majority of men have no desire to do that, but that doesn’t mean they are truly concerned as to whether their female partners welcome their attentions.

'There is even an app for her to record this in her phone. She may withdraw this consent at any time — if she can find her phone, and if it has any battery power left.'

Greer said: 'Neglect and indifference from a loved one are far more corrosive of self-esteem and ultimately more spiritually damaging than a random attack from a stranger, however violent'

The 79-year-old also said the penis too is 'vulnerable' and has been 'weaponised'.

'A misdirected or mishandled erect penis can actually break,' she said.

Greer's controversial comments come just months after she received intense backlash for claiming 'most rape is just lazy, just careless, just insensitive (sex).'

'Most rapes don't involve any injury whatsoever. We are told it's one of the most violent crimes in the world – bullsh**,' she said in a contentious interview.

When asked what would be an appropriate punishment for men found guilty of rape, she said: 'Two hundred hours of community service would do me'.